'Rather brutal' Netflix period drama has viewers second guessing everything
This period drama, inspired by the Utah War of 1857 has captivated fans, with many saying the only downside is that it only has six episodes...
A gritty Netflix drama is catching the attention of viewers for its intense storytelling and brutal depiction of life on the American frontier. The six part limited series, American Primeval, blends historical fiction with emotion and action, leaving viewers questioning every character's motive and every possible outcome.
Described by viewers as "rather brutal" the series is violent, intriguing and full of tension. Set in the wilderness of 1857 Utah, it follows a mother and son as they attempt to survive a dangerous journey across hostile terrain while navigating dangerous encounters with Native American tribes, Mormon settlers, military forces and pioneers.
The series is directed by Peter Berg, who found inspiration for the show from the lesser-known chapter of American history - the Utah War and the infamous Mountain Meadows Massacre.
"I read an article on something called the Mountain Meadows Massacre," Berg told Tudum. "[It] was something that interested me, and I started doing a lot of research on it." This massacre becomes a pivotal moment portrayed at the end of the series' first episode.
Taylor Kitsch, known for his role in Friday Night Lights, stars as the main character Isaac, a troubled man fighting his inner demons. Betty Gilpin, known for her role in Netflix's Glow, plays Sara Rowell, a determined mother seeking a guide to help her and her son cross the violent and unpredictable frontier.
At the heart of the show is Fort Bridger, a town caught between cultural, political, and spiritual warfare as various groups struggle for power and survival. The newly formed Utah Territory, acquired from Mexico after the 1850 war, is portrayed as the tense battleground.
Speaking to Tudum, director Berg explains: "Brigham Young and the Mormons feel as though the military is about to attack them at any point in time, so they’ve started their own army called the Nauvoo Legion. The American Army is concerned with getting the Mormons out of Utah territory, so they’re nervous that they’re going to die fighting the Mormons."
Caught in the crossfire are Native American tribes, including the Shoshone and Paiute, who are displaced and endangered. "The Shoshone and the Paiute tribes are being squeezed from their lands by both sides, so they feel like they’re getting ready to die," Berg says.
Meanwhile, trappers and miners face their own threats as large companies push them out, shrinking their opportunities for survival. Describing the show's characters, Berg states: "Everybody is anxious from the get-go and everyone is truly fighting to stay alive."
Since arriving on Netflix earlier this year, American Primeval has caught the attention of viewers all over the world. The series has a 72 per cent score on Rotten Tomatoes, with fans branding it as "excellent," "fast-paced" and "brutal."
One viewer wrote: "Much, much better than I was expecting. Saw all episodes straight through. Rather brutal. The only bad thing is that it was a limited series. Oh well. It was a good story overall."
Netflix
Some viewers said they didn’t expect to enjoy the genre, but quickly found themselves drawn in. As one fan stated: "The limited series was excellent. I'm not a big fan of the genre but this series kept me engaged the entire way. It is well written and well cast."
A third said: "Fast-paced and brutal, not for the faint of heart. Stunning cinematography and first class acting."
While a fourth fan humorously wrote: "Something with a Netflix logo that isn't boring," they continued: "Refreshing change of pace from what I usually watch. It has me second guessing everything i knew from history."
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