However, just as often,Horizon: An American Saga - Chapter 1woefully wanders every which way.
After this start, it’s hard to tell whether it will make it there.
This will not be remembered as a newDances with Wolvesor evenOpen Rangefor Costner.
Image via Warner Bros.
This proves indiscernible from any bargain bin Western.
Its frequently derivative, completely unmemorable, and with an utter lack of any new ideas.
What Is ‘Horizon: An American Saga - Chapter 1’ About?
Chronicles a multi-faceted, 15-year span of pre-and post-Civil War expansion and settlement of the American west.
This is something that represents one of the central conflicts, with fights between the two groups occurring throughout.
It is also where Costner seems to be attempting not to fall into tropes.
Instead,we see the world through the eyes of a couple of key characters.
Okay, maybe not on the run, but on a slow trot to nowhere.
However, what its all aiming or riding towards feels much more inconsequential the longer it goes on.
Everything moves along at a relatively speedy clip, but competent assembling does not a compelling film make.
Just look at the spectacularMeeks CuttofforFirst Cowfrom the great American filmmakerKelly Reichardt.
Each of those were precise films about characters just living in their own parts of a quickly changing world.
Sometimes, bigger isnt always better.
Its neither a sweeping epic nor a character study.
It all just sort of stops, feeling rather arbitrary and sudden rather than significant.
Not fitting in any exciting way, but more as one final shrug until the next one releases.
Image via Warner Bros.
Horizon: An American Saga - Chapter 1is now available to stream on Max in the U.S.
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