Horizon: An American Saga – Chapter 1
Movie Trailer
Release Date
June 28, 2024 (United States)
Genre
Epic Western
Cast & Crew
- Kevin Costner as Hayes Ellison
- Sienna Miller as Frances Kittredge
- Sam Worthington as 1st Lt. Trent Gephardt
- Giovanni Ribisi as H. Silas Pickering
- Michael Rooker as Sgt. Major Thomas Riordan
- Jena Malone as Ellen Harvey/Lucy
- Jamie Campbell Bower as Caleb Sykes
- Will Patton as Owen Kittredge
Director
Kevin Costner
Producer
- Kevin Costner
- Howard Kaplan
- Mark Gillard
Writer
- Jon Baird
- Kevin Costner
Budget
$50 million
Production Company
Territory Pictures
Running Time
181 minutes
Languages
English
Maturity Rating
R
Content Advisory
- Intense violence
- Mature themes
- Disturbing images
Movie Story
Set in the mid-19th century, Horizon: An American Saga – Chapter 1 unfolds against the backdrop of the American frontier. In 1859, the small town of Horizon is born from the bloodshed of surveyors killed by an Apache war band. The story then jumps to 1863, where Frances Kittredge and her daughter struggle to survive in a town ravaged by raids. As they seek refuge at Camp Gallant, Frances develops a relationship with 1st Lt. Trent Gephardt, but their bond is tested by the harsh realities of frontier life and the persistent threat of Apache raids.
Simultaneously, Pionsenay, the Apache leader, grapples with the conflict between coexisting with settlers and waging war to defend his people. As tensions escalate, the film weaves together multiple storylines, including that of Lucy, who flees a violent past in Montana, only to find herself ensnared in a deadly confrontation with her pursuers in Wyoming. Meanwhile, a wagon train led by Matthew Van Weyden faces the dangers of the Santa Fe Trail, and a posse embarks on a revenge mission that culminates in a brutal massacre.
Horizon: An American Saga – Chapter 1 paints a complex picture of life on the American frontier, exploring themes of survival, revenge, and the moral dilemmas faced by those who lived during this tumultuous period. The film sets the stage for the continuing saga, with unresolved conflicts and characters on a collision course with destiny in the upcoming chapters.
Special Effects
The film’s visual grandeur is heightened by practical effects, capturing the vast landscapes and intense battles of the American frontier. The cinematography and set design authentically recreate the period, immersing the audience in the harsh realities of 19th-century America.
Box Office Performance
The film grossed $34.3 million worldwide, a disappointing result considering its $50 million budget.
Filming Locations
- Southern Utah, USA
Notable Quotes
- “This land doesn’t forgive, and neither do its people.” – Hayes Ellison
- “You fight for what you have, or you lose everything.” – Frances Kittredge
- “Manifest destiny is not a right; it’s a theft.” – 1st Lt. Trent Gephardt
Behind-the-Scenes
Horizon: An American Saga – Chapter 1 is a passion project for Kevin Costner, who first envisioned the film in 1988. The film’s production involved a massive ensemble cast and over 170 speaking roles, with principal photography taking place in the rugged landscapes of southern Utah.
Final Verdict
Horizon: An American Saga – Chapter 1 is an ambitious and sprawling Western that attempts to tackle the complexities of frontier life. While the film’s narrative can feel disjointed due to its multiple storylines, Kevin Costner’s direction and the film’s authentic portrayal of the American West make it a compelling watch for fans of the genre.
IMDb Rating
6.7/10