Netflix produces a lot of woke crap, but for once, hits hard with American Primeval: At the Dawn of Americaa mini-series that revisits the myth of the American West with a brutality and realism rarely achieved. Against a backdrop of omnipresent violence and sublime landscapes, this contemporary western explores the chaotic birth of America and the tensions that shaped it.
A captivating historical fresco
In the America of 1857, the utopia of the American dream gives way to the struggle for survival. The series, created by Mark L. Smith, the screenwriter of The Revenantimmerses us in a world where pioneers, natives and Mormons compete to dominate wild and inhospitable territories. In six gripping episodes, it mixes fiction and historical facts to paint a nuanced and merciless portrait of this era.
The series focuses on events like the Utah War and the Mountain Meadows Massacre, while featuring deeply human and complex fictional characters. At the heart of the story, Isaac (Taylor Kitsch), a gruff cowboy, accompanies Sara Rowell (Betty Gilpin) and her son on a perilous journey. Their trajectory intersects with that of trappers, natives, and Mormons, each encounter revealing a dark side of the emerging America.
Uncompromising realism
American Primeval stands out for its desire for authenticity. The natural settings are beautifully filmed, capturing both the majesty and hostility of the West. The representation of indigenous tribes, worked in collaboration with cultural consultants, reinforces the credibility of the work. Indigenous languages, reconstitution of costumes and rituals demonstrate a notable respect for history and forgotten cultures.
But this realism does not stop there: the series does not seek to water down the violence. It reminds us that America was built in blood and tears, a message reinforced by combat scenes of rare intensity and a raw aesthetic that evokes The Revenant. This brutal realism is, however, counterbalanced by impeccable staging and an immersive soundtrack.
The series does not bother with Manichaeism. No good cowboys or stereotypical bad guys here. All the protagonists, whether pioneers, bounty hunters or Mormons, are presented in their nuances: courage, cowardice, cruelty and the quest for redemption intertwine to offer striking portraits.
This omnipresent violence is not only shocking; it encourages you to think. Religious conflicts, colonization, struggles for survival: so many themes that still resonate today. Far from being gratuitous, this brutality serves the purpose of the series, which questions human nature and the foundations of a nation.
A renaissance for the western
In a genre that we thought was outdated, but which has been coming back for several years with gems like YellowStone, or even Horizon, American Primeval brings a welcome freshness. Where productions like Yellowstone were based on modern intrigues, this series returns to the essence of the western: an exploration of the margins, a merciless look at society, and a reflection on the tensions that drive it.
Compared to Shogunwho redefined samurai films, American Primeval offers a similar approach for the western. Its success could prompt Netflix to order a second season, whether a direct sequel or an anthology exploring other facets of this era. In conclusion, American Primeval: At the Dawn of America is a powerful work that will delight lovers of historical stories and western enthusiasts. With its impeccable casting, its immersive production and its striking realism, the series has established itself as a reference in the genre.
Photo credit: DR
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