American Primeval, Netflix’s latest foray into the Western genre, paints a brutal and unforgiving portrait of the American frontier. Mark L. Smith, known for his work on the visceral film The Revenant, pens a similarly bleak and bloody narrative that echoes the Hobbesian notion of life as “solitary, poor, nasty, brutish, and short.” Over six episodes, the series plunges viewers into a world rife with murder, rape, and mayhem, where the line between survival and savagery blurs amidst the treacherous landscape and its equally treacherous inhabitants. While the series boasts moments of beauty and bravery, its overarching tone is one of despair and unrelenting violence, leaving the viewer with a lingering sense of unease.
The series bifurcates into two distinct narratives. The first follows Sara Rowell (Betty Gilpin), a woman fleeing with her son, and Isaac Reed (Taylor Kitsch), a rugged mountain man. Their path is a harrowing journey across the unforgiving wilderness, shadowed by danger and punctuated by encounters with both predators and fellow travelers marked by their own tragic pasts. Kitsch delivers a powerful performance, showcasing a ferocity and depth that transcends his previous roles, while Gilpin portrays a desperate mother forced to confront the darkest aspects of human nature in her fight for survival. The second storyline delves into the bloody reality of the Mormon War, focusing on the ruthless machinations of Brigham Young (Kim Coates) and the horrific events surrounding the Mountain Meadows Massacre. While taking liberties with historical accuracy, the series captures the fanaticism, fear, and prejudice that fueled the conflict, leaving a trail of bloodshed and broken lives in its wake.
Connecting these two narratives is the backdrop of the untamed American West, a character in itself. The series masterfully captures the raw, primitive essence of the era, evoking a sense of a time before recorded history, a time where survival was paramount and civilization a distant dream. The costumes and set design are meticulously crafted, immersing the viewer in the grit and grime of frontier life. Characters are perpetually coated in dirt, their clothes tattered and worn, reflecting the harsh realities of their existence. This attention to detail enhances the realism and contributes to the overall immersive experience, drawing the viewer deeper into the brutal world the series depicts.
However, this commitment to realism extends to the cinematography, which relies heavily on shaky cam and zoomed-in motion shots. While effective in conveying the frenetic energy of certain scenes, this technique becomes overused and occasionally detracts from the visual experience. The washed-out filters, employed to create a bleak and desaturated atmosphere, effectively enhance the series’ overall tone but could benefit from being balanced with more expansive establishing shots that showcase the grandeur of the western landscape. The series does capture the claustrophobic tension of survival, but occasionally misses opportunities to juxtapose this with the vastness and beauty of the frontier.
Despite the bleakness and violence that permeate American Primeval, the series is punctuated by moments of courage, compassion, and resilience. Characters like Jim Bridger (Shea Whigham), Two Moons (Shawnee Pourier), and Captain Dellinger offer glimpses of humanity amidst the prevailing darkness. However, the limited six-episode run restricts the exploration of these characters and their potential impact on the narrative. The series feels somewhat overstuffed, attempting to juggle multiple storylines and a large cast within a confined timeframe. This ultimately hinders the development of certain characters and relationships, leaving the viewer wanting more.
The division between the two central storylines, while initially intertwined, ultimately weakens the narrative cohesion. As the series progresses, the connection between Sara and Isaac’s journey and the events of the Mormon War diminishes, leaving them feeling like separate entities rather than complementary components of a larger story. This lack of narrative convergence weakens the overall impact and prevents the series from reaching its full potential. While each storyline possesses compelling elements, their separate trajectories ultimately detract from the overall viewing experience.
Despite its flaws, American Primeval remains a compelling and thought-provoking series. The performances are captivating, the setting is vividly realized, and the unflinching portrayal of violence forces viewers to confront the darker aspects of human nature. The series is not without its shortcomings, however, The uneven pacing, the overreliance on shaky cam, and the ultimately disconnected narratives prevent it from achieving its full potential. Nevertheless, American Primeval offers a unique and visceral perspective on the American West, a bleak and bloody reminder of a time when survival was paramount and civility a fragile veneer.
The series excels in its immersion, transporting the viewer to a world where dirt, grime, and the constant threat of violence are the norm. This immersive quality is amplified by the performances, which capture the desperation and resilience of individuals struggling to survive in a hostile environment. While the narrative structure may feel fragmented, the individual stories within are compelling, offering glimpses into the lives of individuals shaped by the harsh realities of the frontier. American Primeval is not for the faint of heart, but for those who appreciate unflinching portrayals of historical periods, it offers a raw and unforgettable experience, albeit one marred by its structural shortcomings and uneven narrative execution.
Ultimately, American Primeval presents a challenging but rewarding viewing experience. It’s a series that demands attention and provokes reflection, offering a stark and unsettling depiction of a pivotal period in American history. While the series could have benefited from a more cohesive narrative structure and a less frenetic visual style, its strengths lie in its commitment to realism, its captivating performances, and its unflinching exploration of the darkest aspects of human nature. Despite its flaws, American Primeval is a series that lingers in the mind, prompting viewers to confront the complexities of history and the enduring struggle for survival.
The series excels in its depiction of the brutal reality of the frontier, immersing the viewer in a world of hardship and violence. The performances are compelling, with Kitsch and Gilpin delivering standout portrayals of individuals grappling with the challenges of survival. The supporting cast also shines, with Whigham’s portrayal of Jim Bridger providing moments of levity and wisdom amidst the prevailing darkness. However, the series’ narrative structure, fragmented and ultimately unresolved, prevents it from reaching its full potential.
American Primeval is a series that stays with you. Its depiction of violence is unflinching, its characters are complex and flawed, and its setting is both beautiful and terrifying. While the series stumbles in its execution, it nevertheless offers a compelling and thought-provoking exploration of the American West, a reminder of the brutality and resilience that defined this era.
Despite its bleakness, American Primeval offers glimpses of hope and humanity. Characters make sacrifices, show compassion, and find moments of connection in the midst of chaos. These moments, while fleeting, serve as reminders of the enduring power of the human spirit, even in the face of overwhelming adversity. The series is a testament to both the darkness and the light that exists within humanity, offering a complex and nuanced portrayal of a pivotal period in American history.
While American Primeval may not appeal to all viewers due to its graphic violence and bleak tone, it remains a remarkable achievement in its depiction of the American frontier. The series is not without its flaws, but it is a bold and ambitious undertaking that deserves recognition for its commitment to realism, its captivating performances, and its exploration of the complexities of human nature. It stands as a stark reminder of the violence and hardship that shaped the American West, while also acknowledging the courage and resilience of those who dared to venture into this unforgiving landscape.
