American Cherry

American Cherry is an independent film written and directed by Marcella Cytrynowicz that follows the story of teenage delinquent Finn Elliott, whose young love turns into an obsession. Released in 2023, the movie stars Sarah May Sommers, also seen in Once Upon a Time in Hollywood (2019); Little Rock (Pulaski County) native Hart Denton, who appeared in the TV series Riverdale (2018) and movie Dutton Ranch (2026); and Leonor Varela, known for her roles in the TV series Cleopatra (1999) and movie Blade II (2022).

Finn Elliot (Hart Denton) first comes face to face with Eliza Stein (Sarah May Sommers) when she defends him from an angry driver who is complaining about him lying in the road. He admits to being suicidal but seems to find something worth living for with Eliza. The two grow close, especially once Finn gets expelled from school for attacking a teacher and Eliza skips school to keep him company. Finn uses the camcorder he brings with him everywhere to record their time together.

Their relationship is simple and sweet until Finn helps Eliza carry her inebriated mother home from a bar. This seems to flip a switch in Finn, causing his love to morph into something more akin to obsessive protection. Finn’s deranged behavior comes to light when he confesses to Eliza that he killed his own parents by drugging them with the medicine they made him take. When Eliza accepts him again despite his crimes, Finn moves to his next target. Finn decides to kill Eliza’s abusive mother and then himself to protect Eliza from any harm anyone could do to her. He leaves her a final message on a camcorder tape.

The movie was filmed in northwestern Arkansas, including Fayetteville (Washington County), Cane Hill (Washington County), and Morrow (Washington County). Filming sites include the historic E. White McClellan House in Cane Hill, built in 1866, and Ronda’s Roadhouse at 504 E 15th Street. The movie premiered at the 2022 Fayetteville Film Festival in Fayetteville. On March 17, 2023, it received a limited theatrical release and a same-day digital release.

American Cherry received several awards from various film festivals, including Best Narrative Feature Film at the 2022 London Independent Film Festival, Best Drama from the 2022 Sydney Indie Film Festival, and Best Arkansas Film from the 2022 Fayetteville Film Festival. The film also won awards for Best Actor (Hart Denton), Best Editing (Adam Lemnah), Best Director (Marcella Cytrynowicz), and Best Cinematography (Gus Bendinelli) at the 2021 LA Indie Film Festival.

For additional information:
“American Cherry.” Internet Movie Database. https://www.imdb.com/title/tt10414276/ (accessed September 11, 2026).

Topich, Al. “Rockhill’s ‘American’ Indie Success.” Arkansas Democrat-Gazette, March 24, 2023. https://www.arkansasonline.com/news/2023/mar/24/rockhills-american-indie-success/ (accessed September 11, 2026).

Samantha R. Lindstrom
Little Rock, Arkansas