MTV's latest short film, aptly entitled American Male, tackles homophobia, gender roles, and other topics closely associated with toxic masculinity in one of the most impactful ways we’ve ever seen.
Following the life of a college fraternity man who is struggling to fit into the stereotypical male form, the 6-minute short is a powerful and arresting, stunning yet uncomfortable look at how oppressive and exhasuting it can be to keep up with masculine gender norms. It's a true—and eerie—look at how societal pressures make it difficult to be who we truly are.
Watch the entirety of American Male below and be inspired.
Reed Birney as Hank Grant and Kieron Moore as Aaron Eagle in Blue Film.Fusion Entertainment
Kieron Moore as Aaron Eagle in Blue Film. Fusion Entertainment 
Reed Birney as Hank Grant in Blue Film.Fusion Entertainment
Kieron Moore as Aaron Eagle in Blue Film. Fusion Entertainment 
Reed Birney as Hank Grant in Blue Film.Fusion Entertainment
Director Elliot Tuttle at the premiere of Blue Film at 2025 NewFest at SVA Theater in New York City.Rob Kim/Getty Images
The official poster for Blue Film.
