American Primeval, Netflix’s newest limited series that was released earlier this week, has quickly moved up to the top of the charts on the streaming platform.The series is currently at the #1 spot in the top ten TV shows section on the service, with viewers flocking to watch the limited series.The entirety of the 6-episode show is directed and executive produced byPeter Bergand written by Mark L. Smith, givingAmerican Primevala consistent creative vision throughout. Taking place in 1857 Utah, the miniseries focuses on the violent conflicts between groups of Native Americans, the U.S. Government, and pioneers, undoubtedly making it an enthralling watch for viewers.
The series boasts an impressive ensemble cast, with Taylor Kitsch being one of the standouts in the series as Isaac, a guide who attempts to help Sara Rowell (Betty Gilpin) on her journey with her son to reunite with her husband. In the midst of her journey, various groups are fighting for dominance in the frontier, setting the stage for a harsh and engaging narrative. Other actors in the ensemble include Kim Coates, Shea Whigham, Saura Lightfoot-Leon, and Shawnee Pourier, with each playing an intriguing part in the gritty series.
Critical reviews of the serieshave been mainly mixed, although some positive reviews have commended the cast’s raw performances and gritty tone. The series currently has a 59% critic rating on Rotten Tomatoes, while the audience score is at a much higher rating of 85%, showcasing that viewers enjoy the series and lends credence to the number one spot the series currently holds on Netflix. The series' popularity also proves that the Western genre is still as relevant as ever.
How Historically Accurate is ‘American Primeval?’
Viewers of the latest Netflix series seem to enjoy it primarily because of its unique backdrop. Mark L. Smith, who wrote all six episodes ofAmerican Primeval, is best known for his work on the screenplay for the 2015Alejandro G. IñárritufilmThe Revenant, which has similar themes and thematic points. Much like that film, the historical accuracy of American Primeval has come into question.
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The series bases some of its story based on the real-life event known as the Mountain Meadows Massacre, along with the stories of people who experienced the 1857 Utah War. Moreover, every character in the series is either based on an actual historical figure or an amalgamation of several prominent people in history who were involved in the Utah War. The first episode of the series recreates the previously mentioned massacre, blending in the character arcs made for the series seamlessly.
While creative liberties are taken,American Primevalstill accurately recreates one of the most turbulent periods in American history well enough without disrespecting the real lives affected all those years ago. The way the series has managed to climb to the top of the Netflix charts proves that the violent and chaotic story of Frontier life at the center of it all is compelling enough to check out. As Netflix’s mass catalog of series and films continues to grow,American Primevalis definitely an interesting standout.
American Primeval
A mother and son fleeing from their past form a found family while confronting a harsh landscape of freedom and cruelty in the American West.
