The Western genre has long held a special place in the hearts of many, boasting a dedicated and passionate fan base. Netflix has tapped into this enthusiasm with its latest series, American Primeval, created by Mark L. Smith.
Now available on the streaming platform, American Primeval promises to deliver a gripping and immersive viewing experience that will captivate both old and new fans of the Western genre. In this review, we will share more details about some highlights and whether or not this series deserves a spot on your watchlist!
Gritty, Dramatic, and a Classic Western!
American Primeval, a 6-episode limited series, faces the challenge of telling a compelling story within a condensed timeframe. The trailer set high expectations, and while the series doesn’t entirely meet them, there’s still plenty to explore. We’ve taken the journey – will you join us?
The pilot episode opens in 1857 Utah Territory. A black screen appears, setting the tone with a haunting message: “The United States army, Mormon militia, Native Americans, and pioneers are locked in a brutal war for survival. Every man, woman, and child who dares to enter this…” The title then emerges, accompanied by a foreboding score that effectively builds excitement.
Betty Gilpin shines as Sara Rowell, one of the standout aspects of American Primeval. She’s joined by Taylor Kitsch, who brings complexity to his portrayal of Isaac Reed. The series’ intricate characters are a highlight, and for fans of the Western genre, American Primeval delivers on its promises.
Sara is being hunted down by a bounty hunter, and it is around this time they are guided by Isaac. They include Sara and little Devon in this case, played by Preston Mota. In the backdrop, the Mountain Meadows Massacre is escalating, which adds yet another layer to American Primeval, but what truly stands out is the blend of drama and action. It is gritty, the stakes are high, and some scenes will make your eyes go wide.
American Primeval offers some classic Western moments, so for all those familiar with the genre, this series will be right up your alley, despite a few hiccups scattered around.
The performances by the ensemble cast serve as the best about the series, and while the narrative could have been paced better, it is enough to keep the viewers interested for 6 episodes.
Conclusion
American Primeval does everything in its power to be a classic Western series, and while it succeeds on that front, that is truly all it is. It doesn’t set itself apart from the rest, and whether or not that was intentional is a big question.
Nevertheless, it managed to keep us our eyes glued to the screen for most of it, and we’d say that’s a success!