“Kevin Costner’s ‘Horizon’ Spotlights Wyoming but is Primarily Filmed in Utah”
I don’t typically write movie reviews, but I’ll kick things off by saying that I don’t think Kevin Costner’s Horizon: An American Saga – Chapter 1 deserves the harsh critique it’s been receiving.
One issue I have is with the film’s setting. Although the story is set in Wyoming, it doesn’t quite capture the look of the state. This is understandable since Costner mentioned that the $40 million production was mostly filmed in Utah. Deseret News quotes Costner saying, “I knew the story wanted to be set there [in Utah]. I thought that it would be the best possible thing for the movie,” and adds, “There are these wide, open spaces that almost defy imagination. That kind of look is fabulous for a western.”
The film runs for about three hours and follows various characters heading towards a settlement named Horizon. It offers a grim yet realistic portrayal of life in the Wild West during the Civil War era. I found myself needing a break halfway through, finishing the last hour on a separate evening due to the film’s intensity.
From the outset, the movie is rough, and it doesn’t improve much as it progresses. The Times described it as “very violent,” making it not suitable for everyone. Reviews have labeled the film as “bloated” and “dull,” but I wouldn’t go that far. The acting is strong, and the story is engaging, though its slow pace and drawn-out tension might cause some viewers to lose interest.
The film highlights the challenges faced by immigrants settling in unknown territories like Wyoming and is deeply rooted in themes of survival, community, and perseverance. It’s a slow-moving, understated narrative that doesn’t rely on verbosity.
Rotten Tomatoes gave the film a 49% on the Tomatometer and a 70% on the audience score. One critic remarked, “An American Saga? … Chapter 1? … It all seems a bit much, and we haven’t even started the film. And then, once we do, it’s soon clear that Horizon most certainly is a bit much, and also not enough.”
On the other hand, another critic praised the film, saying, “Costner does a terrific job setting up the beauty & courage of post-Civil War America before unveiling the brutal reality of settling an already inhabited nation. Horizon is a remarkable achievement and a reminder of Costner’s enduring legacy.”
Another review noted, “Costner’s reach might end up exceeding his grasp, but it will be fascinating to watch him try.”
I’m likely to check out the next chapter, but I have to admit that I’m more excited about another of Costner’s upcoming projects. Season 5, Part II of Yellowstone is set to premiere on November 10 on Paramount Network, and I’ll definitely be tuning in.
Yellowstone Season 5 Trailer: 5 Key Takeaways
The trailer for Season 5 of Yellowstone has set the stage for important plot developments and offered new insights into the Dutton family’s current situation. Here are five things fans noticed:
- John Dutton Becomes Governor
The trailer opens with John Dutton being sworn in as governor. This development follows his decision to run for the position in Season 4, a move aimed at preventing the old governor from appointing Jamie as her successor. As governor, Dutton faces a new array of challenges and enemies, though he has Beth as Chief of Staff to help manage the complexities. - Introduction of a New Beth Dutton Rival
Dawn Olivieri joins the cast as Sarah Atwood, a “confident, corporate shark” and newcomer to Montana. Atwood, working for Market Equities’ Caroline Warner, is shown taking a no-nonsense approach, as evidenced by her directive to “ruin them, starting with her.” Fans of 1883 will remember Olivieri as Aunt Claire, though her role was brief.
Season 5 of Yellowstone kicks off with a two-hour premiere on November 13 on the Paramount Network.
