Netflix’s American Primeval emerges as a fresh contender in the Western genre, striving to fill the void left by other series. While it manages to deliver a gripping narrative, the series ultimately stumbles in its conclusion.
Over the years, Netflix has leveraged its platform to explore various facets of the Western genre. The lineup includes cinematic feats like The Power of the Dog and The Ballad of Buster Scruggs, as well as critically acclaimed series like Godless, which is revered as one of the finest Westerns of the last decade. The timing of American Primeval is fortuitous; its release follows the waning popularity of Yellowstone, a powerhouse in the genre since its debut in 2018. As this iconic series prepares for its finale in December 2024, American Primeval steps into a notable gap.
This six-episode series attempts to offer an intense, character-focused experience, presenting a dark and brutal take on Western heroism. If it had fully realized its initial ambitions, it could have easily secured a spot among Netflix’s top releases of the year.
Overview of American Primeval
American Primeval is reminiscent of other narratives like Kevin Costner’s Horizon: An American Saga, featuring multiple characters and intersecting plots set against the perilous backdrop of the American West in 1857. The story centers around Sara Rowell (portrayed by Betty Gilpin) and her son Devin (Preston Mota), who seek a guide on their treacherous quest to locate Devin’s father.
When their plan falters, they find themselves under the rough command of Isaac (Taylor Kitsch), an unpredictable character who also cares for Two Moons (Shawnee Pourier), a Native American girl. Meanwhile, a group of Mormons, led by Jacob Pratt (Dane DeHaan) and his skeptical wife Abish (Saura Lightfoot-Leon), navigates their own harrowing journey, becoming separated after a violent encounter.
On the flip side, the fervent zealot Brigham Young (Kim Coates) stirs chaos in his relentless pursuit of religious conflict, unflinchingly ruthless even towards his followers. Complicating matters further is Jim Bridger (Shea Whigham), a fort owner who resists the Mormon encroachment. With secrets unraveling and a cast of bounty hunters and fanatics pursuing their prey, the stakes are perilously high.
A Gritty Resurgence of the Western Genre
From the very first episode, American Primeval makes its point clear: it is a Western that pulls no punches. While Yellowstone showcased crime and family drama, this series plunges the audience into visceral violence, featuring graphic imagery of bloodshed and destruction. The production eschews the idyllic representation of the Wild West often seen in Hollywood, opting instead for a visceral and chaotic portrayal where the brutality of survival reigns supreme.
In this depiction, the camera shakes with every wagon jolt, blood spills onto the streets, and electric guitar riffs underscore the chaos. In essence, one could argue, “What if Paul Greengrass directed a Western?”
In this world, danger comes not only from outlaws but also from the Mormon militia, military forces, Native Americans, and the untamed wildlife. The series successfully reintroduces audiences to a darker, more savage rendition of the Western narrative, a refreshing shift in the genre.
However, the series is limited by its six-episode arc, which ultimately leaves its complex characters and arcs underexplored. As a result, the finale comes off as anticlimactic, dampening what could have been a triumphant conclusion.
The Finale: A Missed Opportunity
Throughout the series, viewers witness numerous plotlines weave together seamlessly, yet the climax feels hurried. As characters reconnect, the resolution appears rushed, lacking the depth and closure that their individual journeys warrant. Jacob and Abish’s story, in particular, is resolved too swiftly, undermining the emotional weight of their struggles.
Tragically, some characters fade into the background, with Two Moons being a notable example of someone whose narrative seems neglected. Viewers, who have endured a harrowing journey alongside these characters, are left yearning for more substantial closure, even if the ending is bittersweet.
Dexerto Review Score: 3/5 – Good
American Primeval presents a compelling and violent rendition of Western history that could pave the way for more intense storytelling within the genre. With complex characters and gripping action sequences, it remains a worthy endeavor for Netflix, potentially inspiring future projects that take similar bold risks.
Nonetheless, the series serves as a reminder that character development must be prioritized for narratives to resonate fully with viewers. This is a lesson that also seemed to challenge Horizon: An American Saga, where an excess of characters diluted the story’s impact.
American Primeval is currently available for streaming on Netflix.
For additional insights, check out our coverage on Horizon: An American Saga – Part 2 and updates regarding 6666, The Madison, and 1944.
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