*editor’s note: This review was written before the news of Chapter 2 being pulled from the release schedule broke
by Samuel Nichols, Contributing Writer
Merriam-Webster.com defines “horizon” as “the line where the earth seems to meet the sky: the apparent junction of earth and sky.” An apt descriptor for Kevin Costner’s new series of films about the settling of the American West. But if this movie was a photograph, it was a panoramic taken on an iPhone X. Why? Because Mr. Costner tried to do too much.
Is there a plot here to discuss with you? No. There is an ensemble of characters living a difficult life in other parts of the lawless American West. Scott Eastwood is a lieutenant of the army holding down a fort at the edge of Native American territory. Jena Malone is a mother on the run from what could essentially be the Van Der Line gang from Red Dead Redemption II. Costner is a reluctant hero trying to protect Malone’s son after she is taken. This is more Jackson Pollack than Leonardo Da Vinci.
Is there a semblance of a story or theme here? You bet there is. Desperation. Hopelessness. The explorative nature of the settlers in the American West. There’s a lot to like, to be honest with you, but it’s like trying to drink a slushy where you’ve mixed, cherry, classic Coke, blueberry, and whatever other flavors are available. That metaphor plays far better to the plot because of each of those aforementioned stories. Look, juggling is impressive, but this isn’t a circus; it’s cinema. Less is more, Kevin.
Now, with all those stories, there is a lot of opportunity for this outrageously huge cast to pop out and show us what they’ve got. Costner is doing his tried and true, solemn hero method. He’s got a little more pep in his step than something like Draft Day, but when you pay for the movie, I imagine you’re a little more excited to work on it. Particularly, I enjoyed the story and the performance from Malone. Her story of an on-the-run mother trying to escape a past life seemed like the best story to tell here. While fighting with this ensemble for screen time, she really sells us on how desperate her character is at all times. Luke Wilson, Isabelle Fuhrman, and Eastwood do their best in limited roles, but again that battle for screen time keeps anyone from standing out too much.
An undeniable fact about this picture, though, is the beauty captured with Costner’s cameras. Every single shot looks like you could have torn it straight from a scenic still from the Grand Canyon or somewhere in New Mexico. It’s frankly stunning. The only media that I could even place on the same level as this is something like Red Dead Redemption. So Costner’s money may not have bought him the most concise script ever, but it 100% delivered some great stills.
What makes this project all the more interesting to me is that it has a sequel coming out in less than two months! That’s too bold (or maybe stupid) for even franchises like The Matrix or Lord of the Rings to try. The financial prospect of trying to make a profit against a $300 million budget within the span of just a few weeks is a daunting one. Respect for Costner’s love of the arts abounds, but I cannot help but think this is a foolhardy financial decision. It feels like way too much money was invested into this movie with little prospect of success.
Rating: It Was Just Okay
Horizon: An American Saga – Chapter 1 is currently playing in theaters
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