“One Horizon Actor Outshines Kevin Costner: Part 2 Could Use More of Their Star Power”

Kevin Costner might be the driving force behind his Western epic, Horizon: An American Saga, but Chapter 2 could benefit from a greater focus on one actor whose performance overshadowed his own in Chapter 1. Costner, who began developing this Western saga in 1988, is not only directing and starring in the series but also writing and producing it. Despite the lackluster performance of Chapter 1 at the box office, which earned only $36.1 million against a $50 million budget, the film’s cast delivered some compelling performances that vividly brought the Civil War-era Midwest to life.

Although Horizon – Chapter 1 received mixed reviews, with criticisms aimed at its slow pace and meandering narrative, the performances, including Costner’s as horse trader Hayes Ellison, Sam Worthington’s as Union soldier Trent Gephardt, and Sienna Miller’s as widow Frances Kittredge, were notable highlights. Yet, it is Jena Malone’s portrayal of Lucy that truly stands out. Malone’s character eclipses Costner’s own performance, and her story arc would ideally be more prominently featured in the upcoming Chapter 2.

In Horizon – Chapter 1, Lucy is introduced early on as a runaway from Montana who, after killing her settlement’s leader James Sykes (Charles Halford), escapes with her infant son, Sam. She settles in a small trading town, marries businessman Walter Childs (Michael Angarano), and takes in sex worker Marigold (Abbey Lee). Under the new identity of Ellen Harvey, she aims to shield herself and her child from Sykes and build a better life.

Despite this intriguing setup, Lucy’s fate remains unresolved by the end of Chapter 1. Her last appearance is midway through the film, leaving her story open-ended. The reasons behind her flight from Sykes, and why she believed a new life away from him would be better for Sam, add layers of mystery to her character. This intrigue is compounded by her eventual capture and the murder of her husband Walter by the Sykes brothers, which leaves her fate ambiguous. Her body is not shown, suggesting she might still be alive.

Lucy’s son, Sam, is taken by Hayes and Marigold after Hayes learns of the Sykes’ threat. Marigold later hands the baby over to a Chinese family before abandoning Hayes, leaving the child in uncertain circumstances. The implications of this situation for the Sykes family and Lucy’s eventual return promise further exploration of her story.

Given the depth and mystery surrounding Lucy, Chapter 2 would benefit from focusing more on Malone’s character to fully explore her compelling narrative.