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‘American Primeval’ is a bloody western meditating on survival in a brutal world

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'American Primeval' is a bloody western meditating on survival in a brutal world

The upcoming Netflix limited series titled “American Primeval,” set to debut on Thursday, makes it clear from the start what it’s all about.

1857, Utah Territory: A wild, untamed land. The United States Army, Mormon Militia, Native Americans, and Pioneers were all embroiled in a fierce struggle for existence. Amidst the brutal conflict, countless men, women, and children found themselves in the midst of this… American Frontier, a place where life was harsh and unforgiving.

The series is penned by Mark L. Smith (“The Revenant”) and helmed by Peter Berg (“Friday Night Lights”). It unfolds amidst the backdrop of what’s known as the Utah War, a conflict between Brigham Young and his Mormon followers, on one side, and U.S. troops, particularly focusing on the Mountain Meadows Massacre. In this tragic event, approximately 120 emigrants traveling through southern Utah were ambushed and slaughtered by a Mormon militia in alliance with Paiute tribesmen, accounting for the majority of the war’s fatalities.

While several characters are based on real people, the narrative primarily explores the individual struggles of two made-up female protagonists.

Betty Gilpin portrays Sara Rowell, who is introduced along with her son, Devin, at a location where the train tracks end, presumably in Missouri. A sign on the station confirms it’s St. Joseph. “This isn’t like Philadelphia,” Devin remarks. “And that’s a positive aspect,” Sara replies.

Clad in black and donning a Jo March-style bonnet, Sara – who carries an air of formality and stiffness – finds herself growing increasingly frustrated as the guide she hired to escort her across Wyoming is late. However, a swift action leads them all to the gates of Fort Bridger, a bustling, muddy fortress, known for its creator and operator, the lively Jim Bridger (played by Shea Whigham). Unfortunately, Sara has missed her scheduled connection that would have taken her westward, over the mountains to Crooks Springs, where her husband is believed to be residing, but may not be waiting. The longing to reunite with Devin fuels Sara’s decisions throughout the series’ six episodes, though not all of them can be considered wise or beneficial. There are other reasons compelling her to continue her journey as well. A bounty has been placed on her head for robbery and murder in Philadelphia, making her a target for numerous parties seeking to claim it.

Following Bridger’s brief introduction of the story’s Han Solo-like character, Isaac Reed (Taylor Kitsch, famously known as Tim Riggins from “Friday Night Lights”), Sara and Devin mingle with a Mormon migration group bound for the Fancher Party. Unbeknownst to Sara but with Devin’s help, they are concealing a hidden passenger in their wagon – a young Shoshone woman named Two Moons (Shawnee Pourier), who communicates solely through sign language. In this scene, we encounter Jacob Pratt (Dane DeHaan) and his wife Abish (Saura Lightfoot-Leon). Abish, having replaced a deceased sister at the last minute, seems uncertain about her role in the group, as she was initially intended to marry him.

'American Primeval' is a bloody western meditating on survival in a brutal world

Smith appears to be expressing thoughts about the civilizing impact of women and their resilience amidst rough and overbearing men. Shoshone chief Winter Bird (Irene Bedard) is a peacemaker facing headstrong young warriors. A Mormon woman asserts that her three children are enough, while her husband predicts they’ll have at least six. Abish questions the life she’s being led into, responding to Jacob’s suggestion it’s God’s plan with “Maybe God makes errors.” She isn’t shy about voicing her opinions or challenging authority—at times a bit too fearless, but she portrays a heroic image. Sara and Abish, along with Two Moons, face many hardships yet remain steadfast and clever, resorting to violence only in defense. It’s plausible that Sara is on the run for murder, but one assumes it was committed for a righteous purpose.

In the aftermath of the event previously discussed, where our fictional characters miraculously live through a tragic incident, they find themselves diverging and Isaac re-enters Sara’s narrative. (Although not explicitly confirmed, it’s reasonable to think of them as a couple due to movie conventions.) The massacre leaves them vulnerable, making them potential scapegoats for those trying to pin the blame on the Paiutes. Consequently, their journey is filled with chases, captures, and escapes, punctuated by numerous scenes of violence.

In less violent matters, Bridger is asked to sell his fort to Young because, in a way that may seem exaggerated, “as Fort Bridger goes, so goes Utah, as Utah goes, so goes the Mormon religion.” (When Young reaches the fort, he echoes the actual words spoken by the prophet upon arriving at what would become Salt Lake City, saying, “This is the place.”)

On their journey, Sarah and her companions face one hardship after another, much like Odysseus and his sailors. Unlike others, Abish doesn’t have a specific destination, even deviating from where she might typically go, instead experiencing her own set of challenges.

The essential points about the intricate historical events are summarized and condensed, yet efforts are made to convey to the audience – albeit briefly – that Mormons suffered persecution in Missouri and Illinois, and their leader Joseph Smith was murdered. This serves as a basis for understanding their protective stance. In the narrative, Young appears as a slick, fanatical religious politician, with most of his statements sounding like veiled threats; it’s easy to visualize him as a Disney villain in animated form.

As a cinema enthusiast, I must say that within the narrative unfolded, it’s mostly the Mormons who stir up trouble – with exceptions, like Jacob, who will cause a different kind of strife later on. Interestingly, French-Canadian characters, echoing a theme from Smith’s “The Revenant,” are portrayed as particularly malevolent. In stark contrast, Captain Dellinger (Lucas Neff), a U.S. Army officer tasked with maintaining peace, emerges as a thoughtful and troubled individual. The Shoshone village where Isaac was raised, on the other hand, stands out as a beacon of harmonious human interaction.

The series’ quality isn’t in question – it’s exceptional, boasting high-quality production, a keen attention to cultural nuances, and characters who are intriguing, though not always easy to stomach. The actors clearly put in a lot of effort. (It seems like the filming wasn’t an easy task.) While it may appear to be a traditional western at first glance, this might be for the better as it provides viewers with a stable reference point amidst all the chaos. It’s expected that the villains receive their just deserts, except when history contradicts this, and some do (while others don’t). However, even some good characters meet unfortunate ends too.

The question posed is: Does the idea of spending approximately six hours in this predominantly uncomfortable environment appeal to you? One could argue that its success lies in being challenging to endure. (I wouldn’t suggest consuming it all at once; it’s quite draining.) There is a rewarding emotional conclusion, should you not be too fatigued to perceive it, but the journey there is arduous. As always, the choice is yours.

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2025-01-09 11:31

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