Netflix’s American Primitive series attempts to bridge the gap for Western-themed shows on television. It generally delivers well, but unfortunately, this violent drama falls short in its final moments.
The streaming service has plenty of experience with Western-themed content. Ranging from mini-epics such as “The Power of the Dog” and “The Ballad of Buster Scruggs,” to critically acclaimed TV series like “Godless,” which stands out as one of the top Western shows of the last ten years, the platform demonstrates a knack for reviving the gun-slinging genre effectively.
It’s quite fitting that its newest offering – described as a “gritty, daring journey into the genesis of the American West” – follows shortly after a notable cowboy drama has concluded its run. Since 2018, Taylor Sheridan’s Yellowstone has dominated Western television programming. However, with the series wrapping up in December 2024, there was a substantial void to fill.
American Primeval, a six-part series with a focus on characters rather than plot, doesn’t quite meet the expectation for filling that particular gap in entertainment. However, it delivers a chilling, gruesome viewpoint on traditional heroism often found in similar stories. If it had fully lived up to its potential, this show could have been one of Netflix’s standout productions this year.
What is Netflix’s American Primeval about?
Much like Kevin Costner’s Horizon: An American Saga, American Primeval weaves together multiple narratives set in the treacherous American West of 1857, where each character is striving to endure.
Specifically, we meet Sara Rowell (Betty Gilpin) and her child, Devin (Preston Mota). They’re on a quest to locate Devin’s father, and they require a guide to help navigate their expedition.
If events take an unexpected turn, they find themselves in the company of Isaac (Taylor Kitsch), a rugged, unrefined individual. In this predicament, he becomes their leader, as well as taking care of a wandering Native American girl named Two Moons (Shawnee Pourier).
Additionally, there’s a band of Mormons embarking on their own voyage, guided by Jacob Pratt (played by Dane DeHaan) and his questioning spouse Abish (Saura Lightfoot-Leon). Unfortunately, they get split up following a brutal assault.
On the other side, the fervent extremist Brigham Young (Kim Coates) is spearheading a religious conflict, prepared to wage war even against his own people. Additionally, there’s Jim Bridger (Shea Whigham), a rugged fort owner who resists the Mormon domination.
Unveiling truths exposes everyone to danger as relentless bounty seekers and zealous believers pursue those who cross their paths, leaving no one untouched by potential harm.
A brutal drama gives the genre a boost
From the very start of American Primeval, it’s evident that this series is a gritty Western with an intense focus. While Yellowstone features hitmen, deadly siblings, and gun violence, American Primeval takes it to another level with blood, severed limbs, and teeth, all violently thrown onto the muddy terrain.
Instead of the glossy, sun-kissed West depicted by Hollywood, this place is raw and rugged. The camera shakes with each bump on the wagon, blood from pigs splatters the streets, and harsh electric guitar chords cut through the gloomy scenery and chaotic events. Comparing it to a Paul Greengrass cowboy film wouldn’t be too far-fetched.
In American Primeval, you’re not only pursued by lawbreakers, but also by Mormon militias, the army, native tribes, wolves, bears, and practically everyone you meet.
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In American Primeval, not just criminals are chasing you, but also Mormon militia groups, the military, Native Americans, dangerous wildlife like wolves and bears, and almost every person you cross paths with.
The Netflix show is bringing back the genre with a significantly darker and bloodier style, which I’m eager to see continued in future Western stories.
Although the characters are captivating, thanks to standout performances from Gilpin, Kitsch, and Whigham, the limited six episodes don’t allow for a complete narrative arc to unfold, making the finale feel anticlimactic on what was otherwise a potent series.
American Primeval falls off its horse
In the last episode, several interwoven plots seemed poised to intersect. However, instead of a satisfying resolution, some characters reconnected and said their goodbyes. The ending felt hasty, left too many questions unanswered, and it appeared as if the writers were in a hurry to reach hopeful and dramatic scenes that ultimately fell flat.
It’s disappointing, given the series’ impressive fight scenes, that the finale seems underdeveloped. The resolution of Jacob and Abish’s narrative in particular feels abrupt and devoid of emotion. Given their harrowing and tumultuous journeys, the ending falls short of giving them the closure they deserved.
The show fails to provide satisfactory conclusions for its characters, leaving many feeling neglected or overlooked. For instance, Two Moons, who plays a significant role initially, seems to be sidelined as the series progresses, barely appearing in the finale. Compared to other miniseries like 1883 and Godless, which skillfully weave compelling narratives with well-developed characters even within a limited timeframe, this lack of resolution is disappointing.
After being compelled to observe the hardships they go through, viewers may find themselves yearning for a resolution, regardless of whether it’s a happy or sad one.
TopMob Review Score: 3/5 – Good
American Primeval offers an unconventional perspective in the realm of Western television, hinting at the possibility for grittier, brutal portrayals of this historical era. The series’ compelling characters and gripping action make it a commendable attempt by Netflix, and one that hopefully sparks further exploration of similar themes.
Indeed, valuable insights can be gleaned from American Primitive, particularly focusing on the importance of a character’s journey. This seems to have been an issue with Horizon: An American Saga as well – it may have struggled to ignite due to having too many characters and insufficient emphasis on any one of them.
However, it’s a bold and perhaps uncomfortable production that may prompt viewers to squirm, but in a good way.
American Primeval is available to stream on Netflix now.
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2025-01-09 16:04