Horizon: An American Saga is a 2024 two-part American epic Western film co-written, produced, directed by, and starring Kevin Costner.
Families, friends and foes discover the lure of the Old West as the Civil War divides the country.
The cast includes Kevin Costner, Sienna Miller, Sam Worthington, Jena Malone, Abbey Lee, Michael Rooker, Danny Huston, Luke Wilson, Isabelle Fuhrman, Jeff Fahey, Will Patton, Tatanka Means, Owen Crow Shoe, Ella Hunt, and Jamie Campbell Bower.
Horizon: An American Saga - Chapter 1 made its debut in theaters on June 28th, courtesy of Warner Bros. Pictures.
Kevin Costner is back on the big-screen in a huge way! Horizon: An American Saga - Chapter 1 is a massive film taking viewers back to one of the most defining moments in American history. The film sets the stage perfectly right from the start as it tugs on the heart strings and quickly gets viewers invested in the story as it begins to introduce several different characters across various locations.
Horizon: An American Saga - Chapter 1 is clearly built around the story, and to say there is a lot of meat on the bone here would be a big understatement. The film clocks in at around 3-hours, but rest assured it flies by. The story hinges on the age old allure of the American Dream which promised a better life for people seeking land to make their own and raise a family. I really liked how the film made sure to offer perspective from all sides allowing viewers the opportunity to feel something for all involved.
The cast for Horizon: An American Saga - Chapter 1 was pretty stacked for sure, but I will try and focus on the actors who stood out most to me. The film bounces around quite a bit as it introduces different characters but each segment tends to have at least one actor that stands out more than the others. For obvious reasons I have to start with the man himself, Kevin Costner, who I thought was fantastic in this.
Costner is introduced a bit later in the film which I was fine with, and more than anything I just liked his character a lot. He struck me as a man of principles who was willing to stick his neck out for what was right, and viewers will without a doubt appreciate what he brought to the film as an actor. I am looking forward to the trajectory of his character.
I’m not necessarily going in an particular order but next in line is lowkey a great actor in Sam Worthington, who previously starred in the Avatar films, as well as Everest and The Shack. Worthington takes on the role of Trent Gephart, a man trying desperately to stop more bloodshed without much success. I felt like he played a strong character and I am looking forward to where his moral compass leads him in Chapter 2. Actress Sienna Miller is absolutely gorgeous and irresistible in her role as Frances Kittredge. She is a big part of the initial events of the film and I loved how her character continued to make a significant impact throughout the remainder of the film.
I personally loved how Horizon: An American Saga - Chapter 1 was able to show a unique perspective from all sides and actor Tatanka Means does an amazing job representing the Native American side. I loved him in Killers of the Flower Moon and he continued to absolutely crush it here. I was surprised at how intrigued I was by Luke Wilson in his role as Matthew Van Weyden. Weyden was in charge of leading a convoy of people to the new land in search of a better life. Wilson, widely known for his comedic roles including the all-time comedy classic Old School (2003), was just different here. I thought he really commanded this role well and I was pleased that he was given the opportunity. All things considered the entire supporting cast was great as well.
If you’re anything like me and one of the reasons you enjoy Yellowstone so much is because of the scenery, well Horizon: An American Saga - Chapter 1 is an absolute treat in much the same way. The film serves up some of the most incredible sights I have seen in film in quite some time as it gives viewers a look at just how incredibly beautiful this country once was. The film takes full advantage of wide shots and panoramic viewing angles making it clear that you need to experience everything it has to offer on the biggest screen possible.
I was constantly in awe of the scenic beauty which helped to keep me immersed in the film. Costner deserves a ton of credit for his work behind the camera because I don’t think a single shot was wasted. Talented cinematographer J. Michael Muro, who previously worked on Crash (2004) and the series Longmire, really makes his mark on this film. I also have to shout out composer John Debney for serving up what I felt was a flawless score as it really brought this film to life. Horizon: An American Saga - Chapter 1 includes so many special moments that are able to reach another level thanks to the films score.
Now I’m not going to sit here and act like Horizon: An American Saga - Chapter 1 is a perfect film, but the majority of the criticisms are just ridiculous. Firstly people seem to be annoyed by the fact that the film lacks a true “ending”, yet it is very clearly advertised as Part 1 of 2, and from what I have read it may even expand from there. For the life of me I can’t wrap my brain around how you can watch a movie that is just the first part and be surprised at how it ends. And to be honest I thought the film wrapped things up much better than it really needed to in what I felt was an attempt to appease the people who still complained.
Throughout the film a ton of different characters are introduced so it can be a lot to take in that I will admit, but the end of the film includes a sort of montage which includes all of these characters setting the stage what will surely be an action packed and emotional Part 2. Because the film introduces so many different characters it can be hard to keep track of what is going on, but I’m not sure how that could have been avoided.
By the end I felt like I had a pretty good idea what was going on and I thought the editing team did a masterful job as the film jumped from different character perspectives. My suggestion is really simple, when you go see Horizon: An American Saga - Chapter 1 allow it to immerse and entertain you without focusing too much on expectations knowing that more is coming with Part 2.
THE VERDICT
Kevin Costner’s massive Western epic features an all-star cast as it carefully crafts a powerful true story of a pivotal moment in American history, Horizon: An American Saga - Chapter 1 can be a lot to digest but still sets the stage perfectly for Chapter 2. I thought the film delivered on the promise of the old-school Western feel and it kept me entertained from start to finish. I’m genuinely excited for Chapter 2 in August, and looking forward to finding out whether or not Costner will keep this saga going. Be sure to see Horizon: An American Saga - Chapter 1 in theaters.
TED TAKES RATING - 7.2/10
Horizon: An American Saga - Chapter 1 is now playing only in theaters. Check out the latest trailer below.