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American Primeval a new limited series on Netflix explores a story about conflicting groups in the Old West and how they battled one another. The show has an array of complex characters portrayed by a number of accomplished actors who highlight this historical period.
American Primeval showcases a collection of fictional characters such as the Rowell family as their stories are combined with historical figures and notable events in that region. Some of the well known members are Jim Bridger played by Shea Wigham and Brigham Young who is portrayed by Kim Coates. These performances create great character studies that all tell part of a large narrative.
The series is centered on the story of Sara Rowell a main female lead character, played by Betty Gilpin who moves west with her young son. Her character makes use of her skills and inner strength as many around her have no real hope of survival. She is given the opportunity to experience survival with a complex and intense style. The group has a unique addition of Isaac, portrayed by Taylor Kitsch as their guide, who is drawn into the story even after expressing desire to stay separate from those surrounding him. These are key players who each have deep ties to an even larger narrative than is first expected.
There are other vital roles that explore other sides to the conflict. Winter Bird, played by Irene Bedard a tribal chief inspired by a historical figure, Alex Breaux who has an evil lawman type role. And James Wolsey, portrayed by Joe Tippett which adds an important dynamic who represents those that are part of the Mountain Meadow Massacre. Each character brings a new lens to various aspects of what that region was known to be during that time.
“American Primeval” is noted as a historical drama that combines both fact and fiction through the characters and the different settings. This approach enhances the creative freedom when telling the story. Real people such as Jim Bridger and Brigham Young provide unique characterizations for what the period was like, all while giving space to fictional players in the story.
Central characters such as the Rowell family and the native tribe member named Abish are fictional yet give real connections to what the times were and some of their struggles. Historical accuracy comes with the Mountain Meadow Massacre and different viewpoints from characters to display both perspectives and not just highlight certain people. The production worked towards making character traits consistent based on known records.
The storyline focuses on various conflicts like the massacre, disputes with the local people along with those involved with the law during that era. This is told as various viewpoints come in conflict with each other to add an extra level to character motivations and goals which drive the entire plot line.
American Primeval, does not shy away from the violence, and highlights brutality while showing an in depth analysis. The visual setting is key as the bleakness and darkness was part of the production’s style to highlight the horror of life at that time. By addressing ethical situations from both sides, the narrative highlights different struggles along with different backgrounds.
The massacre itself is based on real life events that happened with an actual timeline in the 1850’s where several Mormons were involved. However, as opposed to being completely accurate, this horrific scene was diluted. It was done with this focus to not put all the violence only in one area but it instead had other characters who had more complex motivations while focusing also on a unique survival journey in an unfamiliar setting.
The production’s main goals were always accuracy , so using this to portray both the historical facts as well as unique landscapes. Fort Bridger which existed as a real fur trading post was designed with 80 ft tall trees using hand tools so the production’s team sought after accuracy in each aspect of the design. As for the location each one adds character and also helps with establishing a genuine tone throughout each scene that was played in it's filming.
This story with its unique approach adds elements of historical settings while adding elements that are from popular films that are associated within that style of media. By combining elements from different sources such as "The Revenant" along with real history makes the series feel as unique as it is familiar.
Like other notable titles, certain characters may be said to bear some similar qualities in prior works which have inspired this series. Many have drawn the comparison with its leads having similar traits of familiar well known personas that viewers have come to love. It is described as a mix of old and new that adds a creative twist for a different tone and experience that some might relate to due to having previous viewing experiences.