Kevin Costner’s latest movie, Horizon: An American Saga, follows the American Civil War and the expansion of the American west. Costner, who takes on multiple roles in the film including lead actor, director, producer, and co-writer, received a 10-minute standing ovation following the premiere screening at the 77th Cannes Film Festival. Despite this enthusiastic response from the audience, the movie has been panned by critics, receiving a very low score of 20% on the Tomatometer on Rotten Tomatoes.
Critics have described Horizon as convoluted, ambitious, and meandering, with some questioning whether it feels like a film at all. The film has been criticized for its jumble of clichéd plots and lack of cohesiveness. Some critics have suggested that the movie feels more like the seedbed for a miniseries rather than a standalone film. The numerous storylines in the movie have been viewed as a detriment to the overall viewing experience, with some suggesting that the film moves on from plots before they have a chance to engage the audience. Despite the negative reviews, there have been some positive opinions on the film.
Sienna Miller is part of the star-studded ensemble cast of the film, which includes actors such as Sam Worthington, Giovanni Ribisi, and Jena Malone. Horizon is the first chapter in a multi-part epic series, with subsequent chapters scheduled for release later in the year. Kevin Costner revealed in June 2022 that he planned on making four Horizon films in total, shot back-to-back. Production on the third film was paused due to the 2023 SAG-AFTRA and WGA strikes. Despite the challenges of making the film, Costner has expressed that Horizon is incredibly meaningful to him and is a project he is passionate about.
Costner’s love for the Wild West and American history has been evident in his previous work, and he has been able to bring that passion to life through film on multiple occasions. Throughout his career, Costner has explored themes of survival, rawness, and unpredictability that characterize the American frontier. Despite the difficulties of making Horizon, Costner has expressed that it is the project he wants to be working on at this moment. The release dates for the subsequent chapters of Horizon have not yet been announced, but audiences can expect a star-studded cast and an epic storyline that delves into the rich history of the American West.
Costner’s dedication to the project and his vision for bringing the American frontier to life on screen showcase his commitment to storytelling and exploring themes of history and survival. Although the movie has received mixed reviews from critics, Costner’s passion for the project and the positive responses from some reviewers suggest that Horizon: An American Saga is a film that will spark discussion and exploration of America’s past and the legacy of the Wild West. As the release dates for the subsequent chapters of Horizon draw closer, audiences can look forward to experiencing an epic saga that spans generations and captures the spirit of the American frontier.
