American Primeval is a new show on Netflix. It is directed by Peter Berg. He has made some great action and drama movies. But, not all of them are good. This series shows a very tough time in America. It is a time when violence was everywhere. This story is set in 1857, and it is not a modern tale. It is a Western, and it might upset some Mormons.
The Setting
The world of American Primeval is harsh. In this time, things are not easy. Pain is everywhere, and peace is hard to find. Innocence and calmness are losing to fear and hatred. The show tells us that survival is the only thing that matters. There is no safe place in these lands.
The Storylines
The series has six episodes. Each episode follows different stories that connect in some way. Here are some key storylines:
- A woman and her son are trying to reach her husband.
- The Mormons are expanding their territory, led by Governor Brigham Young.
- Life at Fort Bridger is shown through its founder, Jim Bridger.
- There are violent clashes between white settlers and Native American tribes.
- A man is on a quest to find his wife, who has been taken away.
These stories give us a big picture of life during this tough time.
The Characters
The show features many stars, including:
- Betty Gilpin
- Taylor Kitsch
- Shea Whigham
- Joe Tippett
- Jai Courtney
- Kim Coates
Each actor shows how hard life was. They face extreme violence and challenges.
First Impressions
When I first watched the show, it took time for me to get into it. The filming style was different. It did not feel like a Western at first. It had modern filming techniques like:
- Shots from the wagon wheel perspective
- Handheld camera work
These choices made it feel less like a Western. The visuals were clear, but they did not match the dirty world of the story.
Action and Violence
The show does not hold back on action. There is a very intense scene in the first episode. It shows how brutal this time was. Many people die quickly in violent ways. This helps us understand the cruel nature of that period.
Character Dynamics
The relationship between Taylor Kitsch and Betty Gilpin’s characters is interesting. They have a mix of irritation and sweetness. Kitsch’s character is a strong survivor. He is fierce and not someone to mess with. Gilpin’s character shows great strength and sometimes makes dangerous choices.
Supporting Characters
Shea Whigham plays Jim Bridger. He is tough and practical. He walks around in the mud and has a pipe in his mouth. He looks like a true frontiersman. Another character is played by Dane DeHaan. He shows a sad and tragic side of life during this time.
The Mormons’ Portrayal
The show has two main storylines about the Mormons. These stories do not paint them in a good light. One story shows the violence of the Nauvoo Mormon militia. Their actions are harsh and cruel. Brigham Young, played by Kim Coates, uses his power as the leader of the Mormon church to drive people away and silence opposition.
The Overall Message
Some may wonder what the point of the show is. It seems to show a slice of life during a violent time in America. It does not shy away from the ugly parts of history. It highlights the savage behavior of people fighting for land. It also shows the suffering of Native American tribes and the conflicts between them.
Production Quality
Even with some modern filming techniques, the show offers stunning landscapes. The mountains and plains are beautiful but also dangerous. The characters face harsh environments, which adds to the story’s tension.
Final Thoughts
American Primeval is a wild ride. If you like Westerns and enjoy action with violence, this show is for you. It has moments of nudity, profanity, and intense violence. I rate it a 4.5 out of 5. If you have favorite Westerns, I would love to hear about them in the comments!
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FAQs
Q. What is American Primeval about?
A. American Primeval is a limited series that explores life in 1857 America, focusing on survival, violence, and the harsh realities of the time.
Q. Who directed American Primeval?
A. Peter Berg directed the series.
Q. What themes does the series explore?
A. The series explores themes of violence, survival, and the struggles of different groups during a tumultuous time in American history.
Q. Is the series suitable for all audiences?
A. The series contains intense violence, dark themes, and some nudity, which may not be suitable for all viewers.
Q. How many episodes are there?
A. There are six episodes in the limited series.
