‘American Primeval’ Reviews Reveal Netflix’s Brutal Western is a Mixed Bag

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The gritty new Western miniseries titled ‘American Primeval‘ is now available on Netflix. This series, brimming with raw brutality, represents Netflix’s answer to the recent revival of the genre. The star-studded cast includes Betty Gilpin and Taylor Kitsch. Set in 1857 Utah Territory during a brutal conflict driven by culture, religion, and survival needs, ‘American Primeval’ delivers on the promised intensity. However, some critics find it overly grim.

So far, American Primeval has approximately 8 reviews on Rotten Tomatoes, earning it a 50% rating. Critics generally agree that the series effectively conveys the harsh atmosphere suggested in the trailers. However, they find the storyline to be unremarkable despite notable talent both in front of and behind the camera. Dylan Roth of The Observer criticized the Netflix series, stating, “While it’s crucial to demystify the romanticized image of the Wild West, this Netflix series is excessively grim and even cruel.” Elijah Gonzalez from Paste Magazine echoes this sentiment, arguing that the mini-series suffers from underdeveloped characters, repetitive storylines, and an inadequate exploration of its frequent violence.

It turns out that not every critic finds the flaws of the Netflix series, “American Primeval,” to be more significant than its strengths. Maggie Lovvitt of Collider penned a new review, expressing that this Western epic is enhanced by placing women at the core of the story. Forbes labeled the Netflix series as somewhat inconsistent, but it still lives up to expectations: bold, unique, and distinct. Matt Mahler from MovieWeb, on the other hand, showered “American Primeval” with high praise, commending its direction, intense action, and the deep themes that run throughout the larger plotline.

Although some might grumble that it’s just more of the same old Western stories, pointing to shows like Deadwood, The Proposition, The Nightingale, and others, American Primeval truly stands out when you delve into its unique storyline. This series examines ideas of self-rule (for a woman, a church, a tribe), revealing the underlying violence that comes with such freedom and how it collides and conflicts with society, families, government entities, and religious organizations. These elements are crucial parts of the shift from the Wild West to modern America, a transition marked by the Civil War, which casts a shadow over American Primeval like a threatening portent.

The Cast & Crew of ‘American Primeval’

The impressive lineup of talent involved in the Netflix series, American Primeval, is what likely fueled all the excitement. Among the stars are Taylor Kitsch and Betty Gilpin, but you’ll also find Dane DeHaan, Jai Courtney, Shawnee Pourier, Saura Lightfoot-Leon, Shea Whigham, Irene Bedard, Derek Hinkey, Preston Mota, and Kim Coates. The show’s intense and violent visual style is also a testament to the skillful direction of Peter Berg, who has previously directed powerful films like Deepwater Horizon, and has collaborated with Kitsch before on Lone Survivor. Behind the scenes, Mark L. Smith, co-writer of the acclaimed film The Revenant, played a significant role in shaping the series.

1857, in America: The norms are being flipped, suffering is widespread, while peace and tranquility seem to be on the losing end against hatred and fear. Compassion and grace are rare commodities. There’s no place of safety in these rugged territories, and what matters most is survival. “American Primeval” is a fictional portrayal and exploration of the brutal clash between culture, religion, and community, as people struggle and perish for dominance over this world. The story follows an ensemble cast, showcasing the cost paid by all when they decide to venture into the chaotic and ruthless frontier.

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2025-01-09 21:07