Kevin Costner’s Horizon: An American Saga Tests My Patience
Kevin Costner’s epic Western series, Horizon: An American Saga, demands a significant commitment from any viewer due to its lengthy runtime and ambitious release schedule. However, that kind of patience is something Costner hasn’t earned from me yet. To be fair, Costner has an impressive track record as an Academy Award-winning director and veteran actor with a career spanning five decades. I grew up admiring his work in classics like Bull Durham, The Untouchables, and Tin Cup. But for every memorable film, there’s also been a misstep.
His latest project, Horizon: An American Saga – Part 1, seems to rely heavily on his reputation to earn grace from the audience. But just because it’s a Kevin Costner Western doesn’t automatically mean I’m willing to invest my time or patience in the series. His abrupt and controversial exit from Yellowstone certainly colors my view, but my skepticism toward this epic Western has roots that go back even further.
A Strong First Film Was Crucial for Horizon
Early reviews for Horizon: An American Saga – Part 1 have been underwhelming. As of now, it holds a 45% score on Rotten Tomatoes. While the site doesn’t tell the whole story, it does highlight common criticisms. Many reviewers say the film drags on without developing a clear, engaging plot. Instead, it feels like a parade of well-known actors being introduced only to be quickly shuffled aside for the next.
This approach appears deliberate. The plan to release Part 2 just six weeks after Part 1 suggests the two films are designed as a continuous experience. But that’s a risky strategy for launching a franchise, especially when it leans heavily on familiar Western tropes rather than offering something fresh. If Costner wanted to build momentum for Horizon, the first film needed to captivate viewers—and early reviews suggest it misses the mark. Clocking in at nearly three hours, Part 1 asks a lot of its audience. Without a compelling story to justify that runtime, there’s little reason for viewers to commit to not just the sequel but the three more parts planned.
The Shadow of Costner’s Yellowstone Exit
Another factor influencing my hesitation is Costner’s awkward departure from the hit neo-Western Yellowstone. Leaving mid-season in its fifth run, he forced creator Taylor Sheridan to hastily wrap up storylines in the final episodes. Rumors suggest Costner left to pursue Horizon: An American Saga, a passion project years in the making. But abandoning Yellowstone so abruptly—cutting short a planned seven-season arc—didn’t sit well with fans, cast members, or creators. That choice doesn’t exactly inspire confidence in his latest endeavor.
