American Primeval

Is American Primeval the Western You’ve Been Waiting For?

Imagine stepping back in time to the wild and untamed American West, where the clash of cultures and the fight for control were as fierce as they come. That’s exactly what American Primeval, an American Western miniseries created by Mark L. Smith and directed by Peter Berg, aims to deliver. Released on January 9, 2025, on Netflix, this series promises a gripping exploration of the Utah War in 1857.

The Setting: A Time of Turmoil

Picture yourself in 1857, where the air is thick with tension and the landscape is vast and unforgiving. This is the backdrop against which American Primeval unfolds its story. The series centers on the events surrounding the Mountain Meadows Massacre, a tragic event that has long haunted American history.

The Cast: A Diverse Ensemble

Meet your cast of characters:

• Taylor Kitsch as Isaac Reed – a man caught between his duty and his conscience.
• Betty Gilpin as Sara Holloway/Rowell – a complex character whose journey is both personal and political.
• Dane DeHaan as Jacob Pratt – a figure of authority with secrets to hide.
• Saura Lightfoot-Leon as Abish Pratt – a voice of the marginalized in this tale of conflict.
• Derek Hinkey as Red Feather – representing the Native American perspective, adding depth and nuance to the narrative.
• Joe Tippett as James Wolsey – an antagonist whose actions drive much of the plot forward.

The Story: A Blend of Fact and Fiction

Mark L. Smith and Peter Berg have woven a tapestry that blends real events with fictional characters, creating a narrative that is both historically rich and emotionally charged. The series delves into the violent clash between the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints (LDS Church) and other cultures in the Utah Territory, painting a picture of a nation’s bone-deep savagery. This blend makes for a compelling watch, though some might find it “persuasive, and sometimes deadening,” as one critic put it.

The Production: A Visual Feast

From the moment you step into the world of American Primeval, you’re enveloped by its visual splendor. Filmed in New Mexico from February to April 2023, with only two days of indoor filming, the series captures the essence of the American West like few others have.

The Soundtrack: A Musical Journey

Explosions in the Sky’s soundtrack adds another layer to this already rich tapestry. With its haunting melodies and evocative soundscapes, it perfectly complements the series’ themes of conflict, loss, and resilience.

The Verdict: A Mixed Bag

American Primeval premiered on Netflix with a critic approval rating of 66% based on 47 reviews. Metacritic’s score of 58 out of 100 from 26 critics indicates “mixed or average” reviews, but that doesn’t diminish the impact it has on its audience.

Is American Primeval the Western you’ve been waiting for? It certainly offers a unique perspective on American history and the complexities of human nature. Whether you find it persuasive or deadening, one thing is certain: it’s a series that will make you think deeply about the past and its relevance to today.