Kevin Costner’s new Western epic “Horizon: An American Saga— Chapter 1” is the kind of film that raises the question of how it came to be. The film’s lore includes producer-director-star-co-writer Costner taking a personal risk by funding it himself.
To focus on “Horizon: An American Saga,” Costner walked away from the television series “Yellowstone” and used his own resources to finance this Civil War-era film. His dedication is reminiscent of the Old West pioneers, showcasing a dogged commitment to personal cinema, similar to Francis Ford Coppola’s “Megalopolis,” which premiered alongside “Horizon” at the 2024 Cannes Film Festival.
People are also reading…
However, the three-hour “Horizon: An American Saga — Chapter 1” is a convoluted, tedious cinematic experience. The announcement of three more installments feels daunting.
While it’s usually a compliment to say “they don’t make them like this anymore,” regarding “Horizon,” it’s a criticism. The film’s outdated style and storytelling fail to resonate with modern audiences, especially when compared to works like “Killers of the Flower Moon” that deconstruct Western tropes intelligently.
The project’s retro aesthetic feels out of touch, resembling a 1990s miniseries with flat visuals and a melodramatic score. The script, co-written with Jon Baird and Mark Kasdan, blends various storylines set in 1863, ultimately leading to a cursed land named Horizon.
The chaotic presentation and lack of depth in character development make the film feel disjointed and shallow. The excessive number of characters and stereotypical portrayals detract from any meaningful engagement with the narrative.
“Horizon: An American Saga — Chapter 1” showcases Costner’s vision as a filmmaker, but ultimately lacks the critical perspective that studio notes could provide. Costner’s self-funded passion project falls short of its ambitious goals.
‘Horizon: An American Saga — Chapter 1’
MPA rating: R (for violence, some nudity and sexuality)
Running time: 3 hours, 1 minute
How to watch: In theaters
