Phil Roberts 
Horizon: An American Saga—Chapter 1 is a rich, engaging, slow burn that immerses viewers in three hours of captivating drama. While the lengthy running time could be challenging for some, the film offers plenty to keep audiences engaged.
Over the past few years, the Western genre has gradually faded from the spotlight. The iconic days of Clint Eastwood’s enigmatic “Man With No Name” character bringing his unique brand of justice to the frontier have given way to more modern, commercially-driven cinematic offerings. Despite this transition, the recent emergence of Yellowstone and its many facets has managed to rekindle audience interest in the Old West. Additionally, it has sparked a renewed enthusiasm in Kevin Costner, who is returning to the silver screen with a project that holds special significance for him. One that forced his decision to step away from his iconic role in “Yellowstone.”
Costner, known for his involvement in notable Western epics such as Dances With Wolves, which garnered an impressive total of seven Academy Awards, including the coveted Best Picture and Best Director honors for Costner, has been invigorated by the resurgence of interest in the Western genre. This weekend, audiences will witness his return to the genre that played a pivotal role in his career. Once again taking control as the Writer, Star, and Director, Kevin Costner leads us back to the cherished era of Western storytelling with “Horizon: An American Saga – Part One.”
Finally, film enthusiasts can glimpse the incredible work that Costner has poured his heart and soul into. But was all the drama worth it? Or has the casual audience moved on from the days of epic westerns?
REVIEW
Fear not, dear reader, because Horizon: An American Saga—Part One is a captivating return to the classic Western epics of the past. Despite its deliberate pacing and extensive introduction of characters, the film marks a triumphant comeback for Kevin Costner. The stunning cinematography captures the essence of the American West, while John Debney’s score adds a layer of depth that is truly exceptional. The ensemble cast’s remarkable performances ensure that their characters will resonate with audiences long after the movie ends.
Spanning a lengthy 181 minutes, the film meticulously lays the foundation for a compelling narrative. While some viewers might find the runtime challenging, the payoff is a well-crafted, engaging story that gradually unveils its intricacies with finesse. Like all epics, there are a few bumps in the trail; not all films are perfect. Nevertheless, Kevin Costner has delivered a rich, classic Western movie that exceeds expectations. While this film may not resonate with younger audiences seeking non-stop action and extravagant spectacles, it is a tribute to traditional storytelling that will captivate cinema enthusiasts who appreciate the art of moviemaking. Sadly, Costner’s creative choices may limit its box office success, which is a genuine shame, but if it finds its audience, I see no reason for the film not to become a success.
MULTIPLE STORYLINES
The film’s primary challenge lies in the complexity of its multiple storylines. As the first installment in a much broader narrative, Chapter One takes its time to introduce a diverse array of characters who will drive the saga forward. Interestingly, most of the film is dedicated to establishing characters who ultimately do not substantially impact the central plot. These characters serve to enrich the lives of those around them before meeting untimely fates early on.
This approach may be attributed to the filmmaker’s intention to create fully developed characters with whom viewers can empathize, only to subject them to tragic outcomes, which is not necessarily bad. However, this pattern recurs throughout the film, leaving the audience with the impression that any cast member could meet a sudden and unexpected demise. This narrative decision keeps viewers engaged and heightens the emotional investment in the characters who manage to survive. But, after a while, the constantly shifting cast list grows tiresome.
KEVIN COSTNER
Costner’s involvement in the film is significant, but it’s surprising that he only appears in the second and third hours. Typically, his arrival alone elevates the film to another level, and his star power adds considerable weight to the finished product. However, the decision to limit his screen time in the early stages seems puzzling. His presence could have helped to stabilize the shifting storylines and bring some coherence to the opening hour, which many viewers would have appreciated. Instead, we are left to navigate a somewhat uneven narrative until his reliable presence at the helm steadies the ship and balances the film.
THE OLD WEST
After introducing us to the beautiful yet harsh terrain of the American plains, Costner gets down to business and thrusts us into the story with aplomb. The cinematographer, J. Michael Muro, masterfully captures the exquisite beauty of the landscape, imbuing the world with an immense sense of grandeur. The sun-kissed plains enchant the viewers as they shimmer under the daylight, their splendor accentuating the lush green hills in the distance. Every meticulously chosen location elevates the film’s authenticity and depth. If you were hoping for pure escapism from your cinematic experience, this film is for you.
The film begins with a powerful and intense attack by the Apache on a group of settlers, drawing attention to the brutality of the era. Costner vividly portrays the harsh reality of the hotly contested terrain, where both sides inflict brutality on each other. This creative approach, reminiscent of his work on Dances With Wolves, adds depth to the storytelling. The settlers, enticed by the promise of fertile farmland in the pristine wilderness, are met with hostility from the Indigenous Apache, leading to a tragic and violent confrontation. While some scenes may be difficult to watch, they are crucial for capturing the authenticity and brutality of the period.
A BATTLE FOR DOMINANCE
Over time, these confrontations become more frequent, but the settlers are determined to carve out an existence in this harsh terrain and continue to rebuild, no matter the cost. Sadly, many of them never witness the realization of their aspirations. The tragic events draw the attention of the nearby Union Army. First, Lt. Trent Gephardt (portrayed by Sam Worthington) takes charge, swiftly restoring order and organizing the relocation of the survivors.
Amidst the turmoil, Frances (played by Sienna Miller) and her teenage daughter, Elizabeth (portrayed by Georgia MacPhail), find themselves under Gephardt’s protection as they journey with him and his squad back to the army’s base of operations. Gephardt passionately seeks support from his superiors to return to the settlement with reinforcements. However, his appeals go unanswered due to the army’s stretched resources and the looming threat of widespread conflict on the frontier.
With this plot line firmly established, the narrative shifts to Montana, where an abused woman (Jena Malone) takes drastic action to escape her circumstances. Her actions will drastically affect the innocents and strangers caught in the aftermath. Nevertheless, with her child in her arms, she breaks for freedom and settles in the rocky hills of the region.
ENTER COSTNER
At long last, the rugged cattle rustler Hayes Ellison, portrayed by Kevin Costner, makes a grand entrance, accompanied by a stirring musical composition by John Debney. As he wanders into town on his latest adventure, he crosses paths with Marigold, a sleazy sex worker played by Abbey Lee. Intrigued by the prospect of a hot meal and pleasant company, Ellison decides to accompany her to her cottage. Unbeknownst to him, Marigold is living under the roof of the battered wife, played by Jena Malone, and her pursuers are hot on her trail, closing in on her location.
As their stories intersect, they become disjointed and seem to trip over each other. This creates a jumbled mess with seemingly little relevance to one another. However, as time progresses, the audience sees that all roads lead to the Horizon settlement, hinting at a significant convergence of events. These subtle hints will slowly build up to an incredible revelation in either Part Two or Part Three. At first, the different storylines may not seamlessly come together, but that’s by design. The film doesn’t want to reveal its secrets too quickly-and rightly so.
MUSICAL MASTERY
As mentioned at the top of this review, John Debney’s score is another triumph. The soundtrack for the film is a delightful blend of musical cues that expertly complement the on-screen visuals, enriching the storytelling as it unfolds. While it may not reach the same heights as John Barry’s iconic work on Dances With Wolves, it delivers impactful and memorable moments. The score seamlessly weaves into the narrative, effectively becoming vital to the overall experience. John Debney’s masterful composition shines through, showcasing the skill and artistry of a seasoned composer at the top of their game. The moments when the score intensifies leave a lasting impression, solidifying Debney’s well-deserved recognition for his exceptional work on this project.
PERFORMANCES
Costner has amassed a sensational ensemble cast to bring this film home, and I am pleased to report that every cast member is terrific here. Costner’s portrayal is towering, and Sienna Miller’s portrayal of Frances Kittredge is terrific. Despite the rarity of her pearly white teeth in that era, Miller’s performance is exquisite. Sam Worthington’s performance is a shining reminder of why he was so highly regarded after his role in Avatar, as he emanates authority, compassion, and sincerity. Michael Rooker’s Sgt. Major Riordan is portrayed with his signature reliability. Yet he also displays a remarkable range as an actor, seamlessly transitioning between humor, empathy, and poignancy. Rooker’s performance stands out among the exceptional cast and is a joy to watch.
In addition to the outstanding lead performances, the film features exceptional supporting roles, including Danny Huston as Colonel Houghton, Jena Malone as Ellen/Lucy, Michael Angarano as Walter Childs, Abbey Lee as Marigold, and Jamie Campbell Bower as Caleb Sykes. Despite their limited screen time, these actors deliver compelling performances that leave a lasting impression and will endure into the next installment, which will arrive in cinemas this August.
VERDICT
“Horizon: An American Saga—Chapter 1” is a rich, engaging, slow burn that immerses viewers in three hours of captivating drama. While the lengthy running time could be challenging for some, the film offers plenty to keep audiences engaged. It never wears out its welcome and leaves a lasting impression long after the credits roll. The well-crafted characters stand out, although the multiple storylines can sometimes be overwhelming. The editing could be better, and the frequent shifts between plot threads may test the patience of some viewers. However, those who appreciate old-school storytelling and the director’s distinctive style will discover a deeply layered film that is more than the sum of its parts.
It’s a good old-fashioned Western for a contemporary audience. With its noteworthy score, visceral action, multilayered drama, and breathtaking cinematography, the film is pure escapism. It is quintessential cinema at its best. So saddle up, lock and load, and prepare for the last great adventure on the American frontier.
Horizon: An American Saga – Chapter 1 brings the fight for the frontier to cinemas from June 28th.
Meet Phil Roberts! He’s the dedicated owner, daily content manager, and editor-in-chief of The Future of the Force. Phil is a budding novelist who turned his passion toward writing about the franchises he loves back in 2016. He’s a huge fan of all things Star Wars, Batman, DC, Marvel, Star Trek, Indiana Jones, Ghostbusters, King Kong, and the Ray Harryhausen movies. Phil is a BFI-accredited journalist and a distinguished member of the Film Critics Association UK.
If he’s not catching a movie at the cinema, you can bet he’s streaming something just as awesome!
