If all the Independence Day festivities have put you in the mood for a stellar epic Western, then you need to jump on the first chapter oKevin Costner’sHorizon: An American Sagabefore it leaves Netflix in the middle of this month. WhileHorizon’s first and second installments were originally set to release in June and August 2024, respectively,Chapter 2has been put on hold for the time being. During that time,Chapter 1has gained quite a following, with many hoping to see the full saga completed in the next few years. But why should you giveHorizon: An American Saga — Chapter 1a try? Well, because it’s Costner’s most ambitious Western of his entire career.
‘Horizon: An American Saga’ Is a Breathtaking Look at Settling the Frontier
It’s clear thatHorizonis a labor of love for Kevin Costner. It’s part ofthe reason he was written offYellowstoneand it’s a project that has beenlargely funded by him on a personal level. Having taken all that he learned from makingDances with WolvesandOpen Range, the filmmaker has outdone himself with this riveting drama that has masterfully recaptured the spirit of the American West in a way that many smaller-scale Westerns are unable to.Chapter 1is a powerful start to Costner’s general meditations on westward expansion and those that ultimately settled the mythic region we know today. It highlights the plights of those who built towns in dangerous lands, the conflict within the Native American tribes who once lived there, the outlaws who fought for every scrap they had, and the cowboys who sometimes stood against them.Horizonhas everything from action and adventure to romance and deep suspense, andChapter 1is only meant to be the beginning.
Whether you love Costner’s role as the hardened Hayes Ellison orpreferJena Malone’s mysterious Lucy, there’s a story inHorizonfor everyone. Interested in the inner conflicts of the Apache people?Chapter 1dives into those issues. What about the wagon trains and their struggles heading West?Horizonhas those too, with characters and conflicts that will make one nostalgic about old episodes ofWagon Train. For those looking for romance, that exists in Costner’s exploration of the 1860s — and so much more. What’s better is that, aside from the stellar performances and clear vision found inHorizon, the film isa marvel of modern filmmakingthat offers a grand picture of the Wild West as it once was. The cinematography byJ. Michael Murois simply outstanding, as he expertly highlights the peaks, valleys, forests, and deserts that were once explored and settled by many of our ancestors. Not to mentionJohn Debney’s killer score, which rouses one up with the intent of embarking on an adventure.
Kevin Costner’s Epic Works Just Fine as a Single Entry (But We’re Still Waiting for More)
What’s particularly fascinating aboutHorizon: An American Saga —Chapter 1is that it is profusely rewatchable. Although there is more to the story that we are yet to see,the truth is thatChapter 1works just as well as an epic Western that stands alone. This is not because the future stories are unimportant or becauseChapter 2is unnecessary, but because the characters themselves carry us through the film and offer intimate portrayals of those who lived during this tumultuous time period when folks never knew if they would see each other again. If you thought that Costner had said all he had to about the West withDances with Wolves,Open Range, or evenYellowstone, it’s apparent he still has more to say withHorizon, which feels likesomething out of the Golden Age of Westerns.
Kevin Costner Isn’t the Best Part of ‘Horizon’
One character’s storyline stands out from the pack.
From the momentHorizonwas uploaded to streaming,it has found success on digital platforms. Since then,Chapter 2has premiered but gone unreleased,frustrating some of the actors involved. Still,asDanny Hustonhas exclaimed, “there’s no stopping it.” It certainly helps that the film’s closing montage teases the future, revealing at least some of the events that will befall these characters, but we still want more. Yes, eventually,Horizonwill likely continue, and Costner’s final send-off to the Western will ride into the sunset. But until then, we can continue to enjoy the first entry and appreciate the sheer size and scale ofHorizon: An American Saga. Costner’sepic Westernis one of the more ambitious additions to the genre in recent years, and we can’t wait to see how it ends.
Horizon: An American Saga — Chapter 1is available on streaming on Netflix until June 08, 2025.
Horizon: An American Saga - Chapter 1
