The Revenant remains one of my all-time favorite films, skillfully merging historical elements with gripping action and unforgettable characters, all wrapped in a cloak of grim realism. Thus, when I learned that Mark L. Smith, one of the film’s writers, was collaborating with director Peter Berg (known for Lone Survivor and Patriots Day) on the Netflix miniseries American Primeval, I was immediately intrigued. Set in mid-19th century America, the series promises a raw and gritty portrayal of the lawlessness prevalent in the United States during 1857, foundations reminiscent of Smith’s 2015 acclaimed drama.
The trailers for American Primeval hint at a wealth of Western-style action, establishing the premise right from the beginning. The narrative follows Sara (Betty Gilpin) and her son, Devin (Preston Mota), as they journey to reunite with her husband in a distant town. Their adventure leads them to encounter a shockingly brutal trading post overseen by Jim Bridger (Shea Whigham), before ultimately finding safety within a traveling Mormon convoy headed by Jacob Pratt (Dane DeHaan).
American Primeval’s Dark & Gritty Story Brings In Stellar Action
The Series’ Mood Is Its Greatest Strength
Among the recent crop of Western television series, American Primeval stands out as one of the darkest offerings, tackling the horrifying realities of its historical context head-on. The series does not shy away from addressing the systematic destruction faced by Native peoples, nor the conflicts among various factions vying for dominance in the region. It features a multifaceted cast, each offering unique insights into the aftermath of violent events that affect them. Sara represents one perspective, while Jacob seeks clarity on the chaos that ensued.
Despite the presence of certain less developed storylines that prevent it from reaching the pinnacle of Western television, the narrative effectively highlights the tone and thematic exploration relevant to the era. The intertwining stories provide a rich tapestry of the struggles and horrors faced by the characters, ranging from large-scale battles to personal gunfights. As characters traverse various dark landscapes, the series presents an opportunity to examine the pervasive atmosphere of violence.
However, a notable aspect is how the relentless depiction of gritty realism can at times lead to audience desensitization. As the narrative unfolds, there were moments where the brutality became overwhelming, causing a disconnect from the intended emotional responses towards violence. This seems to be a deliberate directorial choice, ensnaring viewers in the harsh environment until they too grow numb alongside the characters.
Fortunately, the compelling narrative of American Primeval keeps audiences engaged despite its darker elements. While the lack of depth in some storylines prevents the series from achieving iconic status in Western television, it effectively renders a vivid snapshot of its tumultuous time. Nevertheless, this approach is marred by one significant shortcoming.
Characters In American Primeval Aren’t Very Memorable
There’s An Unfortunate Shallowness To The Ensemble
This lack of deep character development slightly weakens the emotional weight of pivotal moments. Although Whigham’s portrayal of Jim stands out as my favorite, alongside DeHaan’s Pratt and Joe Tippet’s Mormon officer James Wolsey, none of the characters transcend their initial impressions. This results in a fluctuating viewer investment during dramatic events, diminishing their impact during quieter scenes. While the show’s kinetic sequences provide some distraction, they do not fully remedy this issue.
Despite its shortcomings, Netflix’s American Primeval remains a competent Western, particularly appealing to those in search of narratives grittier than Yellowstone yet still favoring sprawling tales akin to Horizon: An American Saga. While the characters may lack depth, the series compensates with a harrowing portrayal of mid-19th-century America that prioritizes mood over intricacy. Although I found it didn’t completely meet my expectations, fans of the tone established in The Revenant are likely to find satisfaction in American Primeval, even if it falls short in several aspects.
All episodes of American Primeval are currently streaming on Netflix.
Leave a Reply