The Revenant: A Brutal Companion to Netflix’s ‘American Primeval’

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In its raw, gruesome depiction, the series titled “American Primeval” made its debut on Netflix and has since held a spot on their Top 10 list. The show unfolds the struggles of diverse survivalist groups during the unruly era of the Wild West in 1857, focusing primarily on the contested territory of Utah. Amidst the power struggles between Brigham Young and his troops, the American administration, and numerous Native tribes over territorial claims, those daring enough to journey west often found themselves in the line of conflict.

The story’s foundation is laid by the Mountain Meadows Massacre, an event sanctioned by the Mormons, in which a group led by Young carried out the killing of more than 120 travelers on a westward wagon train. Despite surviving this tragic massacre, Sara (Betty Gilpin) and her son Devin (Preston Mota) decide to press on with their journey. In response, a local guide named Isaac (Taylor Kitsch) is persuaded to lead them. During their travels, Young’s militia looks for any remaining threads related to the mass murder, such as anyone who might have survived.

American Primeval consists of multiple interconnected tales that might not be suitable for the sensitive viewer. This show, helmed by Peter Berg, is grisly, brutal, and frequently heart-wrenching in its sadness. Notably, Mark L. Smith, who was instrumental in crafting this series, also collaborated on a movie that many fans of American Primeval may find intriguing – the critically acclaimed film, The Revenant. Directed by Alejandro G. Iñárritu and co-written by Iñárritu and Smith, The Revenant is currently available for streaming on Max. Those enthralled by Berg’s series will undoubtedly be eager to watch this movie next.

What Is ‘The Revenant’ About?

Based on real-life occurrences, the movie “The Revenant” chronicles the tale of Hugh Glass (Leonardo DiCaprio), a pioneer who is attacked by a bear while on a fur expedition in 1823. Abandoned for dead by his own hunting party, Hugh must battle against all odds to survive in the wilderness. Haunted by grief and fueled by revenge, he tirelessly struggles to rejoin those who abandoned him. The film offers a raw and unflinching portrayal of the brutal and hostile environment that frontiersmen faced when they ventured beyond the borders of urban settlements.

2015 saw the debut of the critically acclaimed film “The Revenant,” which garnered an impressive 12 Academy Award nominations, more than any other movie that year. It ultimately took home three awards: Best Director, Best Cinematography, and Best Actor (for Leonardo DiCaprio), marking his first win after five previous nominations. Praised by both critics and viewers, “The Revenant” was a financial triumph, grossing $533 million worldwide on a production budget of just $135 million.

How Are ‘American Primeval’ and ‘The Revenant’ Similar?

Although they have distinct stories, American Primeval and The Revenant have quite a similar atmosphere and backdrop. They both portray the harshness and brutality of the early 19th century American wilderness in a raw and graphic manner. While the Netflix series offers multiple characters with diverse viewpoints, the film concentrates on one character, specifically Hugh’s harrowing survival story after being injured in the wilderness. Both works depict a high level of violence that is both shocking yet authentic for their respective periods.

In terms of their unyielding character, “The Revenant” and “American Primeval” are hard to endure at moments. The infamous bear scene in the movie is considered one of the most brutal in any dark Western film, while the opening portrayal of the Mountain Meadows Massacre in the series is horrific and heart-wrenching for multiple reasons. Despite their inherent violence, they both manage to convey a sense of compassion amidst their grim themes, which is quite unexpected.

As a devoted cinephile, I’ve found an intriguing commonality in films and series set within ruthless landscapes: Despite the apparent heartlessness of these environments, certain characters manage to preserve their humanity. It’s essential to clarify that these narratives aren’t about the triumph of human spirit or empathy; instead, they could be seen as showcasing the opposite.

The frontier, with its unforgiving nature, has a knack for hardening even the bravest explorers. Yet, there are those who defy the odds and hold onto their humanity amidst adversity. However, the line between civility and chaos becomes precariously thin when personal bonds are at stake, and both the film and series make no secret of exposing the depths to which people can descend when faced with the threat of losing everything they hold dear.

In a raw and uncompromising manner, both “American Primeval” and “The Revenant” refrain from spinning tales that are cheerful or motivational. Instead, they delve deep into the harshness of a realm seldom ventured, providing a chilling glimpse into the wilderness. It’s no secret that “The Revenant” resonates strongly with enthusiasts of the Netflix series. Currently streaming on Netflix is American Primeval, while The Revenant can be found on Max.

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2025-01-19 06:32