Explore the lure of the Old West and how it was won-and lost-through the blood, sweat and tears of many. Spanning the four years of the Civil War, from 1861 to 1865, embark on an emotional journey across a country at war with itself, experienced through the lens of families, friends and foes all attempting to discover what it truly means to be the United States of America.
Yeehaw, folks! Kevin Costner is back in the director’s saddle with Horizon: An American Saga - Chapter 1, and it’s a sprawling epic that aims to capture the grit, glory, and gore of the Old West. This is the kind of movie that makes you want to don a cowboy hat, saddle up your horse, and ride off into the sunset—or at least to the nearest cinema. Starring Costner himself, alongside Sienna Miller and Sam Worthington, this film is a hefty slice of Americana, set against the backdrop of the Civil War from 1861 to 1865.
Horizon dives deep into the blood, sweat, and tears that shaped the United States during the Civil War. Through the eyes of families, friends, and foes, we witness a nation at war with itself, struggling to define what it truly means to be American. It’s a journey through the Old West, painted with broad, dramatic strokes and plenty of gunfire.
What I Liked (Or, The Good, The Brutal, and The Beautiful)
True Portrayal of the Wild West: Finally, a Western that doesn’t romanticize the Old West. Costner’s vision is raw and unfiltered, showing the brutal reality of life during this tumultuous period. It’s not all sunsets and saloons; there’s a harshness here that feels authentic.
Violence Toward Women and Children: This might sound strange to list as a positive, but it’s important. The film doesn’t shy away from the brutality faced by women and children, adding a layer of grim realism that many Westerns gloss over.
Huge Cast, Perfectly Cast: The cast is extensive, and everyone fits their roles perfectly. It’s like Costner handpicked each actor with a lasso and a lot of love. Sienna Miller and Sam Worthington shine, and the supporting cast is equally strong.
Costner’s Western Vision: Since Silverado, Costner has had a knack for Westerns. His direction brings a richness to the genre, with characters that connect deeply with the audience. Every scene between the gunfights is a masterclass in storytelling.
An Ending That Hooks You: The film ends in a way that leaves you eager for the next chapter. It’s like a Netflix series cliffhanger but with more dust and gunpowder. You’ll leave the theater counting the days until Chapter 2.
Epic Feel: This film feels like the beginning of an epic Western saga. The landscapes are vast, the battles intense, and the drama deeply personal. It’s a spectacular setup for what’s to come.
What I Disliked (Or, The Long, The Confusing, and The Overstuffed)
Too Many Plot Lines: With up to seven plot lines happening simultaneously, the film can feel a bit scattered. Some threads are better developed than others, and a bit more focus would have gone a long way.
Disconnected Story Lines: The differing story lines needed a stronger thread to tie them together. While I’m sure connections will be made in future chapters, it would have been nice to see more cohesion early on.
Three-Hour Runtime: At three hours, the film is a marathon. Knowing it’s just part one of four can be daunting. This epic might have been better suited for a mini-series format, giving viewers a chance to digest it in smaller bites.
Extra Info (Or, The Trivia That’ll Make You Sound Smart at the Saloon)
Four Movies Planned: Horizon is just the beginning. There will be four films in this series, so saddle up for the long haul.
Extreme Filming Conditions: Filming in Moab, Utah, started at a scorching 109°F (43°C) and ended at a freezing 9°F (-13°C). Talk about weather extremes!
Costner’s Directorial Return: This is Kevin Costner’s first time directing since Open Range (2003). It’s been a long wait, but he’s back with a vengeance.
Long Road to Production: Costner first commissioned the story in 1988 but struggled to get it made. It took four attempts before finally getting the green light.
Cannes Film Festival Premiere: The film premiered at Cannes on May 19, 2024, receiving a 10-minute standing ovation. Costner was moved to tears—a fitting reaction for such an epic project.
Final Thoughts and Rating
Horizon: An American Saga - Chapter 1 is a grand, gritty, and ambitious start to what promises to be an epic Western series. While it’s not without its flaws—chiefly its sprawling plot and hefty runtime—it delivers a powerful punch of drama, action, and authentic Western spirit. Costner’s passion for the genre shines through, making this a must-watch for Western aficionados and casual viewers alike.
My final rating? 7.8/10. It’s a solid start, and I’m excited to see where the saga goes from here.
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