"Horizon: An American Saga – Chapter 1" is an ambitious Western epic movie released in 2024 as the first of a planned four-part franchise. Directed by, co-written with, and produced by Kevin Costner, the film is a multi-sided treatment of the American West around the time of the Civil War. The cast is an ensemble with Sienna Miller, Sam Worthington, Giovanni Ribisi, and Jena Malone among them.
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Plot Overview
Against the historical backdrop of the American Civil War, "Horizon: An American Saga – Chapter 1" explores the lives of numerous characters as they experience the complexities of the times. The film interweaves several storylines, centering on families, friends, and enemies as they face the promise and pitfalls of the Old West. The movie covers a 15-year timeline, from 1859 to 1874, as it captures the tumultuous shift from pre- to post-war America.
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Production and Development
The origins of "Horizon" trace back to 1988 when Kevin Costner initially conceptualized an epic Western movie. That was not until January 2022 that the venture picked up steam, with Costner already on board as director. The initial strategy included filming the first two movies of the franchise back-to-back, with an early digital release on HBO Max. Filming started in August 2022 in Utah and ended in November of the same year. Interestingly, Costner invested $38 million of the $100 million budget himself, demonstrating his commitment to the project.
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Cast and Performances
The movie has a multi-racial cast:
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Kevin Costner as Hayes Ellison, a cattle trader coping with the vagaries of the growing frontier.
Sienna Miller as Marigold, a female trapped in the web of love and survival.
Sam Worthington as Van Weyden, commanding a caravan to travel westward towards a new beginning.
Giovanni Ribisi as one character trapped in the moral complications of the day.
Jena Malone as Lucy, whose story entwines with the protagonists.
The actors' performances have been praised for being deep and genuine, portraying the rich weave of Western characters.
Critical Reception
When it premiered at the 77th Cannes Film Festival on May 19, 2024, "Horizon" was given a nine-minute standing ovation, which attests to the emotional impact and grandeur of the film. But reviews have been divided. On Rotten Tomatoes, the film has an approval rating of 51% based on 160 reviews, with an average rating of 5.7/10. The consensus is that although the film provides a grand scope, it falters in pacing and coherence.
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A few critics have noted that for all its grand ambitions, the film is lacking in terms of presenting a good story. The episodic nature and disjointed storytelling have been mentioned as reasons why emotional investment is difficult.
Decider
Box Office Performance
Financially, "Horizon" struggled. The movie made about $38.7 million at the global box office, lower than its $100 million production cost. Its poor performance stalled the sequel's release, no date announced.
Streaming and Availability
Though it has fared poorly box office-wise, "Horizon: An American Saga – Chapter 1" attracted a vast viewership on streaming sites. It released on digital platforms through premium video on demand on July 16, 2024, and was made available to stream on Max on August 23, 2024. The movie is also available to stream on Netflix, which has given it a sizable audience.
The future of the "Horizon" saga is uncertain. Although the initial two chapters were shot back-to-back, the disappointing box office results have threatened the series continuation. Kevin Costner's heavy personal investment puts pressure on finding distribution deals, with companies such as Netflix being targeted to make the project financially viable again.
"Horizon: An American Saga – Chapter 1" is a testament to the passion that Kevin Costner has for telling Western stories. Though it's a big-scope visual presentation with laudable performances, the film's split critical notices and financial struggle point to the pitfalls in undertaking such an elaborate vision. Until the time the saga's follow-up news will come out, "Horizon" is at once a great and cautionary tale of filmmaking today.
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