Netflix’s American Primeval has garnered significant attention in 2025, emerging as one of the streaming platform’s standout releases. This miniseries, starring Andrew Garfield, serves as a fruitful prequel that delves deep into the rugged realities of frontier life while intertwining with historical context. Although it bears some thematic connections to *The Revenant*, it is an independent narrative that unfolds an original story anchored in real-life historical events. These connections enhance *American Primeval*, allowing it to align with other notable projects, including Garfield’s acclaimed miniseries.
Crafted by Mark L. Smith, known for his work on *The Revenant*, *American Primeval* captivates viewers with its portrayal of a mother and son who embark on a perilous journey across the treacherous landscape of the 1857 frontier. Their determination to survive compels them to seek a guide amidst a myriad of challenges, including hostile settlers, Indigenous groups, wildlife, and members of the Mormon community. The show’s portrayal of its historical setting is not merely background but a vital component that shapes its narrative, drawing from prominently recognized events like the Utah War, the Mountain Meadows Massacre, and the early establishment of Mormonism.
The Connection Between *Under The Banner of Heaven* and *American Primeval*
Preceding the Narrative of Brigham Young
Released in 2022, *Under the Banner of Heaven* also features Andrew Garfield and explores a chilling story about the Lafferty Brothers, who commit a murder within a community of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints. Although the bulk of the series unfolds in the 1980s as an investigation into the crime, it employs flashbacks that serve as crucial setup for the events depicted in *American Primeval*.
These flashback sequences transport viewers to pivotal moments in the early history of the LDS Church, beginning with Joseph Smith’s courtship of Emma Hale and culminating with Brigham Young’s ascension as the church leader. Here, *Under the Banner of Heaven* provides essential background information about Brigham Young—a significant figure in *American Primeval*, whose backstory remains largely unexplored in that series.
Controversial Themes in *American Primeval* and *Under The Banner of Heaven*
Divisiveness Among the Mormon Community
Both *American Primeval* and *Under the Banner of Heaven* grapple with themes surrounding the Mormon faith, which is at the heart of their controversial reception. Reports from various sources such as the LA Times indicate that a segment of the Mormon audience has perceived *Under the Banner of Heaven* as distorting significant moments of the church’s heritage. Some critics argue that the narrative suggests that Mormonism “breeds dangerous men, ” a portrayal that does not sit well with adherents to the faith.
In a similar vein, *American Primeval* faces scrutiny for its blending of Mormon history with fictional elements, casting a darker shadow on Brigham Young’s character than many followers would endorse. Furthermore, the series brings forward the grim realities surrounding the Mountain Meadows Massacre, adding to the contentious discourse surrounding Mormon history. Navigating such sensitive subjects often leads to divergent viewpoints among audiences. Nonetheless, viewers who found *American Primeval* engaging may also appreciate the layered storytelling featured in *Under the Banner of Heaven*.
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