Horizon: An American Saga – Chapter 1 (2024)

DVD CASE/ SIDE

– Not yet released

Length of film:  181 Minutes

Rated: 15

Genre: Drama, Western

Director: Kevin Costner

Starring: Kevin Costner, Sienna Miller, Sam Worthington, Jena Malone, Owen Crow Shoe, Tatanka Means, Ella Hunt, Tim Guinee, Giovanni Ribisi, Danny Huston

IMDB Rank: 7.2/ 10 (Since June 30, 2024)

Part 1 Time:  104 Minutes

Part 2 Time:   77 Minutes

Where does the first part end? Hayes Ellison (Kevin Costner) and Marigold (Abbey Lee) flee the town following Hayes confrontation with Caleb (Jamie Campbell Bower). With Caleb now dead, Hayes will be pursued by the Sykes brothers who are not only out to recapture the child Sam, but also to extract revenge for the death of Caleb.

Final line of dialogue on the first part: “Just got to keep going,” Hayes Ellision states to Marigold as they ride off on horseback.

First line of dialogue on the second part: On the Western Kansas Santa Fe Trail, a woman grabs pots from a wagon and states “here, grab that.”

How jarring is it when the first part ends? Somewhat, Hayes Ellison is now wanted by the Sykes brothers and has now committed to protect Marigold and Sam. How will Hayes Ellison adjust to his new reality?

Which part is better? The film centres around the search for the ‘Horizon’ settlement and explores the major themes present during the early foundations of the American Old West. The plot encompasses three stories, which explore the complexity of indigenous (i.e., Apache) and settler tensions. Part one is given the advantage as it depicts the hardships of early western settlements and provides very intense altercations.

Academy Awards: None