In Netflix's latest Western drama "American Primeval," the untamed Utah Territory of 1857 serves as a powder keg of cultural tensions, religious fervor, and survival instincts. The six-episode series ambitiously tackles the complexities of a pre-Civil War American frontier where multiple factions vie for control and dominance.
The story centers on Sara (Betty Gilpin) and her young son Devin (Preston Mota), who seek passage through treacherous terrain with the help of Isaac (Taylor Kitsch), a wild-natured guide. Their journey interweaves with various frontier players: Brigham Young's militant Mormon followers, U.S. Army forces, Indigenous tribes, and an array of mountain men and bounty hunters.
Set against the backdrop of Fort Bridger in Wyoming, the series paints a stark portrait of frontier life through desaturated visuals reminiscent of aged photographs. The show's creator Mark L. Smith, known for "The Revenant," brings a similar raw intensity to this project, though the central romance between Sara and Isaac occasionally steers into predictable territory.
While the series excels in depicting the chaotic web of alliances and conflicts that defined this historical period, it sometimes struggles to balance its various narrative threads. The peripheral stories - including those of Mormon newlyweds, Shoshone warriors, and military personnel - often prove more compelling than the main plot.
"American Primeval" distinguishes itself from contemporary Westerns like "Yellowstone" by favoring gritty realism over soap opera dramatics. The show doesn't shy away from graphic violence, reflecting the brutal reality of frontier life. However, the series occasionally falters when it veers into sentimental territory, particularly in its handling of the central romance.
Despite strong performances from Gilpin and Kitsch, the show's most fascinating elements lie in its exploration of how different communities - religious zealots, military forces, Indigenous peoples, and various settlers - navigate their competing claims to the American frontier. These conflicts mirror modern societal tensions, though some of these parallel's impact gets lost in the show's focus on its more conventional romantic storyline.
While "American Primeval" may not fully realize its ambitious goals, it offers a thought-provoking look at a pivotal moment in American history, when the dream of manifest destiny collided with the complex realities of a diverse frontier population.