Prepare to experience the West like never before. This film takes viewers on a fifteen-year journey exploring the continued development of America following the Civil War. The opening scene immerses the audience in the struggle to develop a small town called ‘Horizon’. We witness various conflicts, battles, and struggles to build on the land over an extended period. This time is marked by numerous deaths, suffering, and bloodshed that occurred throughout these tumultuous times.
After the film’s lengthy opening, showing us Horizon, we follow various events from 1861 to 1865. Throughout the remainder of the film, we are introduced to numerous characters with different viewpoints and experiences. These characters include Hayes Ellison (Kevin Costner), First Lieutenant Trent Gephart (Sam Worthington), Sergeant Major Thomas Riordan (Michael Rooker), Pionsenay (Owen Crow Shoe) and Frances Kittredge (Sienna Miller), among others. Although each character faces unique challenges and perspectives, they all share a common goal: to discover the true meaning of the United States of America.
Horizon: An American Saga – Chapter 1 is a Western drama and is planned to be the first instalment in a four-part series. The film was co-written and directed by Kevin Costner, who also stars as one of the primary leads. Prepare for a lengthy experience, as the film lasts three hours. This extended runtime is noticeable due to the large cast and the individual introductions each character receives, including the lead, Hayes. Also, be aware that Costner does not appear on screen until more than an hour into the film.
The film excels visually. The locations, set designs, and costumes all feel realistic and convincingly represent the time and its surroundings. The details are sharp, providing stunning clarity throughout the film. If you’re a fan of Westerns, the visuals will not disappoint. However, I found this film challenging to sit through, primarily due to its slow pace and the lengthy introduction of many characters. While the visuals are impressive, the story would have been better suited as a TV series, broken down into episodes to allow for a better pacing of the various historical events and introduction of each character.
Given that the film is labelled as Chapter One, it’s clear there will be much more information to explore in each character’s story. As a result, I felt like I didn’t watch a complete film but rather just the beginning of a larger story. The ending lacked a proper conclusion, instead offering hints and snippets of what will come in the next instalments. After spending three hours with a slow-paced narrative, I am eager to see Chapter Two whenever it is released. Despite any criticisms, Kevin Costner clearly poured his heart into this project, and his genuine passion for the genre shines through on screen.
Overall, as a Western, Horizon: An American Saga – Chapter One excels visually, with its locations, costuming, and action sequences all conveying a strong sense of realism. However, I found the story itself to be quite challenging. The film’s prolonged length, exceeding three hours, is distinctly felt. Given the introduction of the numerous characters and the many historical events the film aims to retell and explore, there is a lot to unpack. By the end, I didn’t feel like I had watched a complete movie but rather just a tiny portion of what was yet to come. I left feeling incomplete, exhausted, and uncertain about whether I would pursue the next instalment when (and if) it eventually reaches cinemas. That said, I must credit actor, director, and co-writer Kevin Costner, whose passion for the genre is undeniable and remains something I greatly admire.
Horizon: An American Saga – Chapter 1 (2024) is Now Available on Blu-ray, DVD and Digital thanks to Madman Films!
5.4/10
28th December 2024
Written by Peter Walkden
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