Horizon: An American Saga – Chapter 1, directed by Kevin Costner, is an ambitious attempt to tell the story of the first American settlers in America. This first chapter of a planned four-part series (filming for film 3 has already started delves into the tumultuous period of American history during and after the Civil War. It focuses on the westward expansion and its impacts on first nation communities.
At a recent press conference for the film, Kevin Costner made it clear that his primary mission in undertaking this impressive project was not only to showcase the trials of the first settlers but also to pay homage to the Native American tribes who suffered at the hands of the newcomers. From that standpoint alone, it’s safe to say that Costner and his team have more than succeeded in doing just that.
Visually, the film is stunning, thanks to cinematographer J. Michael Muro’s ability to capture the expansive and often harsh beauty of the American frontier. The breathtaking landscapes effectively immerse the audience in the time period, following in the grand tradition of the American Western.
Costner, who also stars in the film, strives to offer a balanced portrayal of the frontier experience, highlighting both settler and Indigenous perspectives. Having said that, his film is also let down by a rather schmaltzy and overly sentimental storylines that often takes away from the more serious side of the story.
There are some great performances, notably from Luke Wilson as the leader of a group of European would-be settlers. Elsewhere, Sienna Miller and Sam Worthington give two beautiful performances as a recently widowed settler who falls for Worthington’s taciturn cavalry Lieutenant. Both are however often letdown by a contrived and totally unnecessary love story arc which looks to be straight out of a classic John Ford western.
The film’s narrative structure is episodic, featuring various vignettes that mix tension, humour, and drama. While some scenes are engaging and impactful, others feel superfluous and cringe-worthy. But it isn’t all bad, as there are also some standout performances from Twilight Saga alum Jamie Campbell Bower as psychopathic gunslinger Caleb Syke. Bower delivers a stunning performance notably in one scene alongside Costner who shows up a whole hour into the three hour movie.
Overall, Horizon: An American Saga – Chapter 1 is a visually impressive endeavour that sets the stage for a larger epic journey. While it struggles with pacing and narrative cohesion, it manages to hold promise for future instalments to build upon. Impressive stuff indeed, but a little too schmaltzy in places.
