IMDb 7.357 1995 HD

American Gothic

American Gothic

1995
Crime Drama Sci-Fi & Fantasy
7.357 IMDB

Everything is not what it seems in Trinity, South Carolina. Sheriff Lucas Buck develops a sinister interest in Caleb. Caleb's cousin Gail tries to protect him, but that's…

Personnel // Cast & Crew

Starring
Gary Cole / Lucas Black / Paige Turco / Brenda Bakke / Sarah Paulson / Nick Searcy / Jake Weber / John Mese

How Viewers Describe This Film

Common themes and sentiments

unsettling atmospheric disturbing chilling intriguing complex supernatural suspenseful dark menacing thought-provoking effective

Reviews

C
Chloe Davies
May 31, 2026
2.5 / 5
2.5

'American Gothic' presents a premise ripe with potential, exploring themes of deception and the uncanny. Gary Cole's performance as the enigmatic Sheriff Buck is a definite highlight, conveying a disturbing duality. The film attempts to build suspense through…

J
Javier Rodriguez
May 31, 2026
4.5 / 5
4.5

A masterclass in unsettling atmosphere, 'American Gothic' delivers a potent dose of psychological dread. Gary Cole is chillingly effective as Sheriff Buck, a character who embodies the film's central paradox of outward charm masking inner malevolence. The supporting…

S
Seraphina Dubois
May 31, 2026
3.0 / 5
3.0

While 'American Gothic' boasts a strong central performance from Gary Cole, its narrative ambitions occasionally outstrip its execution. The premise is undeniably intriguing: a seemingly benevolent sheriff harbouring a dark secret, a young man caught in his orbit,…

M
Marcus Thorne
May 31, 2026
4.0 / 5
4.0

This is a film that understands the power of suggestion and the slow burn. 'American Gothic' excels in creating a suffocating atmosphere where innocence is threatened by a creeping, insidious evil. Lucas Black as Caleb convincingly portrays a…

E
Eleanor Vance
May 31, 2026
3.5 / 5
3.5

A brooding, atmospheric thriller, 'American Gothic' attempts to weave a tale of small-town dread with supernatural undertones. Gary Cole as Sheriff Lucas Buck crafts a performance that is both outwardly charming and inwardly unsettling, a truly commendable feat.…

FAQs

The character dynamics are driven by conflicting loyalties and hidden truths. Caleb is the focal point of the sheriff's sinister interest, while his cousin Gail is torn between her protective instincts and her feelings for the very man she suspects is dangerous. The angelic intervention of Merlyn adds another layer, forcing Caleb to confront a terrifying reality about Buck.