REVIEW: “Horizon: An American Saga – Chapter 1” (2024)

Expecting a proudly classical, old-fashioned Western-like "Horizon: An American Saga – Chapter 1" to be universally embraced in today's eclectic movie landscape might be optimistic. Initially, I didn't fully grasp the polarised reactions to this first instalment in Kevin Costner's long-anticipated multi-film passion project. But it only takes a moment of reflection to understand the divisiveness that was, in hindsight, predictable.

The truth is, the classic Western, once a cornerstone of American cinema, has largely fallen out of favor. Over time, audience tastes have shifted dramatically towards more contemporary genres—social-realistic dramas, edgy pseudo-arthouse films, and the omnipresent low-budget horror flicks. Occasionally, viewers cleanse their palates with a big studio blockbuster. So, when something like "Horizon" emerges, it’s no surprise that it doesn't resonate with everyone. And that's perfectly okay.

Yet, some of the criticism directed at the film has been unfair and even disingenuous, such as calling it a "vanity project" or accusing Costner of nepotism for casting his son in a minor role. My advice? Disregard these surface-level jabs. "Horizon: An American Saga" is clearly a labor of love for Costner, a fact underscored by the significant portion of the production that he's personally financing. His passion is evident in nearly every frame of this vast, immersive, and beautifully shot frontier epic.

As "Chapter 1" clearly illustrates, the Horizon saga isn't a typical narrative-driven movie. As Costner himself has explained, "it's a journey, not a plot movie," and this approach may be challenging for some viewers. However, understanding his intentions and the broader, multifaceted vision he has for the saga can energize your experience of the film, setting the stage for something potentially magnificent.

Make no mistake, "Chapter 1" involves a lot of introduction and groundwork, all of which is building up to the release of "Chapter 2" this August. It's undeniably unconventional, but it works, thanks largely to Costner's careful attention to the film's many main characters and their deeply personal storylines. While Costner's own character, Hayes Ellison, is prominent, he's just one piece of this rich, character-driven tapestry.

With "Horizon," Costner aims to offer a sweeping look at the American West, drawing from a variety of frontier experiences across Kansas, Wyoming, Montana, and other captivating landscapes. Co-written by Costner and author Jon Baird, the individual stories each carry surprising depth and dramatic weight, holding your interest and leaving you eager for what lies ahead.

Though Costner embraces the grandeur of old-fashioned Western vistas and classic genre elements, it's impossible to confine his film to such a narrow box. He presents a nuanced view of frontier life, balancing any romantic notions of the "Old West" with stark portrayals of violence and brutality. Themes of freedom, morality, justice, grief, family, greed, and retribution are explored with a refreshing lack of sugar-coating.

Key characters include Costner's Hayes Ellison, a former gunslinger at odds with the brutal Sykes family and their matriarch, played with intensity by Dale Dickey. Alongside him is Marigold (Abbey Lee), a prostitute with a heart of gold, as they seek refuge in the mountains to avoid conflict with the Sykes clan.

One of the film's most harrowing sequences features Frances Kittredge (a standout Sienna Miller) and her daughter Lizzy (Georgia MacPhail), who narrowly escape a massacre by an Apache war party. They find shelter with the United States Cavalry, where Frances forms a bond with Lt. Trent Gephardt (Sam Worthington). We also meet a wagon train led by a reluctant leader, Matthew Van Weyden (Luke Wilson), and follow a young boy driven by revenge after his family is slaughtered, who falls in with a vicious gang of native killers.

This remarkable ensemble not only brings these intertwined stories to life but also weaves in personal tales within the broader narrative. Admittedly, there’s a lot to keep track of, but the effort is well worth it, largely due to the stellar performances by the main cast and dependable actors like Michael Rooker, Danny Huston, and Will Patton. Coupled with Costner's bold and ambitious vision, the film trusts in its audience’s ability to understand its depth and invites them on an epic journey. I'm ready for more. "Horizon: An American Saga – Chapter 1" is now playing in theatres.