In Netflix’s new limited series, "American Primeval", audiences are transported back to the harsh landscape of the American West, focusing specifically on the Utah Territory in 1857. The narrative centers on a valiant young mother and her son attempting to forge a new beginning amongst the turmoil. The show sheds light not only on pioneers, but also Indigenous tribes, soldiers, and Mormons, all striving to survive within a volatile, fear-driven environment. This illustrative portrayal of culture and a country struggling with its most hostile inclinations spans across six compelling episodes.
The Western saga commences amidst the Utah War, a gruesome conflict pitting Mormons, under Utah Governor Brigham Young, and the U.S. Army against each other. Sara Rowell, a sophisticated, yet flustered woman, and her son reach a train station to embark on their voyage to meet Devin’s father in Crook Springs, California. Unfortunately, travel delays have left them without transportation, and no one appears willing to guide them to their destination. Their perilous journey introduces them to unexpected allies and threats, forcing them to weather everything from mountain treks, escalating tribal conflicts, challenging wildlife, and outlaws.
Masterfully directed by Peter Berg, "American Primeval" showcases an immersive cinematic vision through its detailed and intense visuals, capturing every aspect of a world filled with brutality, ruthless opportunists, and hidden agendas. While Sara's journey forms the crux of the series, the narrative includes other character arcs, featuring figures like Brigham Young, young newlyweds Jacob and Abish Pratt, and Indigenous factions such as the Shoshone and Paiute tribes whose ways of life are drastically disrupted by colonial encroachments.
The limited series reminds us that the United States is still a young nation, and the palpable vestiges of history resonate throughout the show. While the storyline primarily centers on Sara, it also features various perspectives, shifting the focus to Indigenous characters and addressing the chilling peril that women face under the patriarchal society, painting a vivid picture of the era's grim realities.
Reviving memories of a brutal yet historical past, "American Primeval" serves as a hard-hitting reminder of the challenges encountered by those navigating life in the Utah territory in 1857. The series tells stories from a few perspectives, but many narratives remain untold, echoing into our current lives the dark notion that progression and civility rarely exist in the same realm.
"American Primeval" is set to premiere on Netflix, January 9.
