Horizon: An American Saga – Chapter 1 Film Review
Horizon: An American Saga – Chapter 1 opens in theaters Friday, June 28. This review is based on a screening at the 2024 Cannes Film Festival.
Horizon: An American Saga is the first of four planned Western epics by Kevin Costner. Costner’s ambitious vision goes beyond what is presented on screen, with the first chapter clocking in at a lengthy 3 hours. Set during the American Civil War, Horizon aims to capture the essence of classic Hollywood Westerns, blending visual splendor with a narrative that challenges the genre’s conventions.
Plot Overview
The story unfolds through multiple subplots featuring a vast array of characters spread across different settings. From a peaceful town under attack by an Apache tribe to a mining town scheme and a wagon train journey, Horizon weaves together these disparate threads without ever fully connecting them. The sprawling narrative feels more suited for a television series than a theatrical release.
Depiction of Native Characters
The portrayal of Native characters in Horizon is a point of contention, with Costner’s treatment coming under scrutiny. The film attempts to delve into the complexities of the clashes between settlers and Native Americans, but falls short in providing a nuanced exploration. Instead, the Native characters are reduced to simplistic stereotypes, lacking depth and development.
Retrograde Themes
Horizon maintains a romanticized view of westward expansion, portraying settlers as unwitting participants in a bloody conflict. The film touches on themes of racism and manifest destiny, but fails to offer a meaningful critique, instead reinforcing outdated notions of white innocence and heroism.
Cinematic Shortcomings
Despite moments of visual grandeur and the occasional nod to classic Westerns, Horizon struggles to engage viewers with its meandering plot and shallow characterizations. The film’s lackluster storytelling and unresolved narrative threads leave audiences wanting more, but not in a way that builds anticipation for future installments.
Ultimately, Horizon: An American Saga – Chapter 1 falls short of its lofty ambitions, failing to deliver a compelling narrative or meaningful commentary on the Western genre. As the film concludes with a teaser for its next chapter, it leaves viewers with a sense of dissatisfaction and a longing for a more coherent and impactful cinematic experience.