Horizon: An American Saga – Chapter 1 Synopsis & Review: Plot Summary

🎯 Quick Overview

😅 Plot Summary – Badly Explained

Kevin Costner builds a town, gets sad about it, and then the movie ends, setting up three more movies of town-building and sadness.

🍿 Horizon: An American Saga – Chapter 1: Detailed Plot Synopsis

Initial Settlement and Apache Attack (1859-1863)

In 1859, surveyors in the San Pedro Valley, Arizona, are establishing the town of Horizon. Their work is interrupted by an Apache war party, leading to a deadly encounter. Later, a missionary discovers the slain surveyors and attempts to establish a settlement. Four years later, in 1863, the Horizon settlement thrives, but an Apache raid, led by Pionsenay, devastates the town, killing several residents including Frances Kittredge’s husband and son.

Camp Gallant and Divided Loyalties

Following the raid, survivors seek refuge at Camp Gallant, a U.S. Army outpost. Lieutenant Trent Gephardt and Sergeant Major Thomas Riordan offer assistance, but their differing views on dealing with Native Americans create tension. Frances and her daughter Elizabeth find sanctuary there, with Frances developing a relationship with Gephardt. Russell, a local boy, joins a group of scalp hunters seeking revenge, leading to moral conflicts and indiscriminate violence.

Lucy’s Flight and Hayes Ellison’s Intervention

In Montana Territory, Lucy, fleeing from James Sykes, finds refuge in a trading town under the name Ellen. She marries Walter Childs, but their past catches up when the Sykes brothers arrive. After Walter is killed, Lucy is captured and terrorized. Hayes Ellison, a horse trader, intervenes, killing one of the Sykes brothers in a shootout. He then flees with Lucy’s son, Sam, and town prostitute Marigold.

Wagon Trail to Horizon

Matthew Van Weyden leads a wagon trail towards Horizon. The group includes a British couple, Juliette and Hugh, whose ignorance of the frontier ways causes friction. Meanwhile, the scalp hunters continue their indiscriminate attacks on Native American tribes, leading to Russell’s growing horror and disillusionment.

Eastern Speculation

In the East, H. Silas Pickering, a land speculator, oversees the printing of flyers promoting Horizon, revealing a deliberate and calculated effort to attract settlers to the West. The film concludes without resolving the various plot threads, setting the stage for the subsequent chapters of the saga.

⚠️ Spoilers and Ending Explained

🎬 Cast & Characters

• Hayes Ellison (Kevin Costner): A resourceful horse trader who becomes entangled in the conflicts of the American West, displaying survival skills and a sense of justice.
• Frances Kittredge (Sienna Miller): A resilient woman who survives an Apache raid and seeks a new life amidst the dangers and uncertainties of the expanding frontier.
• Trent Gephart (Sam Worthington): A First Lieutenant in the U.S. Army torn between his duty and his moral code, navigating the complexities of the conflict between settlers and Native Americans.
• Pionsenay (Owen Crow Shoe): A determined Apache warrior who fiercely defends his people’s land and way of life against the encroaching settlers.
• Marigold (Abbey Lee): A pragmatic and independent woman navigating the harsh realities of the West, making difficult choices to ensure her survival.

💬 Memorable Quotes

• Matthew Van Weyden: “All I’m trying to do is get as many of us as I can, as far as I can.” – Highlights the desperation and determination of those seeking a new life in the West.

💰Box Office

• Budget: $100,000,000
• Domestic Gross: $29,035,702
• Worldwide Gross: $38,735,702

💥 Horizon: An American Saga – Chapter 1 Reviews

Personal Review

Okay, so I went in expecting a sweeping Western epic, and I got… something. The scenery is gorgeous, no doubt, and the cast is huge! But I felt like I was watching several different movies at once, none of which fully grabbed me. It’s a lot of set up, and not enough payoff. The pacing felt off, and I was honestly a little confused at times. I’m still curious enough to see where it goes, but I’m hoping Chapter 2 brings it all together.

• Who would enjoy:
  • “Fans of classic Westerns”
  • “Viewers interested in historical dramas”
  • “Kevin Costner fans”
  • “Those who enjoy epics with sprawling narratives”
  • “Audiences interested in the American West expansion era”
• Content warnings ⚠:
  • “Graphic violence, including depictions of warfare and massacres”
  • “Mature themes related to conflict and survival”
  • “Some language and potentially disturbing images”
  • “Brief nudity”

Professional Reviews

• Variety: “While visually stunning, ‘Horizon’ feels like a stretched-out TV miniseries. Too many storylines dilute the impact, leaving viewers yearning for more focused character development and a tighter narrative. A beautiful but ultimately underwhelming start to Costner’s saga.
• The Hollywood Reporter: “Costner’s passion project suffers from a lack of focus. ‘Horizon’ tries to be too many things at once, resulting in a disjointed experience. Strong performances are overshadowed by a meandering plot and a frustratingly incomplete feeling.
• Screen International: “Ambitious in scope, but ‘Horizon’ struggles to deliver a cohesive story. The film is beautifully shot and features committed performances, but the sheer number of characters and plot threads makes it difficult to connect emotionally. A promising, yet flawed, beginning.

Audience Reactions

Visually stunning landscapes make the movie a feast for the eyes.: Many viewers praised the cinematography and authentic Western atmosphere.

Lots of main characters in this one.: The scale is immense and the authenticity is great.

Overall Consensus: Visually impressive but narratively unfocused, ‘Horizon’ presents an ambitious yet flawed start to a sprawling Western saga, leaving audiences divided on its merits.

Awards

🛠️ Behind the Scenes

• “Kevin Costner has been trying to get this project made for over 30 years.”
• “The film is intended to be the first of a four-part saga, with the second chapter released shortly after the first.”
• “Filming took place in Utah, with extreme temperatures ranging from 109°F to 9°F during the shoot.”

🖥️ How to Watch Horizon: An American Saga – Chapter 1?

Currently, “Horizon: An American Saga – Chapter 1” is playing in theaters. Check your local listings for showtimes and ticket availability. As a recent release, it is not yet available on streaming platforms like Prime Video, Netflix, or Apple TV+. However, expect it to become available for digital purchase or rental on platforms such as Amazon, Apple TV, and Vudu in the coming months, following its theatrical run. Keep an eye out for announcements regarding streaming and on-demand availability.

🎥 Similar Movies

If you enjoyed Horizon: An American Saga – Chapter 1, you might like these similar films:

• Dances with Wolves (1990): A sprawling Western epic directed by and starring Kevin Costner, focusing on the clash of cultures and the beauty of the American frontier.
• Unforgiven (1992): A revisionist Western that explores the dark side of the frontier and the complex morality of its inhabitants.
• The Revenant (2015): A modern survival epic set in the early American West, emphasizing the harsh realities of frontier life and the will to survive against all odds.

🛒 Horizon: An American Saga – Chapter 1 Related Products

• Frontier Trapper Hat: Embrace the rugged spirit of the Old West with this Frontier Trapper Hat. Crafted from premium faux fur, it offers both warmth and a touch of historical authenticity. Perfect for fans wanting to channel their inner pioneer and explore the outdoors.
• Frontier – American Saga Chapter 1 Blu-ray: Own the first installment of the epic saga on stunning Blu-ray. Experience the visual grandeur and sweeping score in high definition, and dive deeper into the making of the film with exclusive behind-the-scenes content, interviews, and deleted scenes.
• Old West Building Blocks Set: Immerse yourself in the world of ‘Horizon’ with this highly detailed building block set. Recreate iconic locations from the film, including the town of Horizon and Camp Gallant, with intricate architectural details and mini-figures of key characters. A must-have for collectors and fans of all ages.
• Western Style Revolver Toy Gun: Become your favorite character with this Western Style Revolver Toy Gun. Safety tested and built for fans to enjoy.

🎧 Soundtrack

Horizon: An American Saga – Chapter 1 features a captivating soundtrack that enhances the movie’s atmosphere and emotional impact. Here are some notable tracks:

• “Amazing Grace” – performed by Alyssa Flaherty featuring Shelly Morning Song

You can find the complete soundtrack on Amazon Music and Apple Music.

🤨 FAQ

🔥 Bonus Content

Real COWBOY Reviews Costner’s HORIZON!

Ever wondered what a *real* cowboy thinks of Kevin Costner’s ‘Horizon’? This guy pulls no punches and gives you an honest take. I actually found his insights super interesting – you might too!

Horizon: An American Saga Part 1 Out Of The Theater Reaction!

Want to know what people are saying right after seeing ‘Horizon’? This is a raw, unfiltered reaction fresh out of the theater. Honestly, it’s like you’re right there with them!

Kevin Costner’s Horizon Movie Press Event: All the Native Moments

Interested in the Native American perspective on ‘Horizon’? This video features Native actors and Kevin Costner discussing the movie’s portrayal and representation. It’s a crucial watch for understanding the full picture, trust me.

Navy SEAL Examines Gunfight Accuracy in Kevin Costner’s NEW Horizon: An American Saga Movie

Curious about how realistic the gunfights are in ‘Horizon’? A Navy SEAL breaks down the action scenes and points out some details that you might miss! I found it surprisingly interesting, you gotta check it out!

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