3 sources·Entertainment

Exploring the Grit of 'American Primeval': A Brutal Representation of the 1857 Utah Territory

Netflix's 'American Primeval' offers a gritty portrayal of the Utah War, showcasing resilience amid violence with a cast led by Betty Gilpin and Taylor Kitsch.

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  1. 'American Primeval' is a bloody western meditating on survival in a brutal world

    The question is, are you interested in living in this mostly unpleasant space for something like six hours? One might even say that the series succeeds by being difficult to watch.

    'American Primeval' is a bloody western meditating on survival in a brutal world

    Los Angeles TimesLos Angeles Times·3M
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    This source consistently reports facts with minimal bias, demonstrating high-quality journalism and accuracy.
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    Leans Left
    This outlet slightly leans left.
  2. American Primeval Review: A Wild West Melting Pot Boils Over

    Smith and director Peter Berg’s misstep is to foreground the trite story of Sara and Isaac—yet another righteous woman melting the heart of a cold, wounded man.

    American Primeval Review: A Wild West Melting Pot Boils Over

    TIME MagazineTIME Magazine·3M
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    This source consistently reports facts with minimal bias, demonstrating high-quality journalism and accuracy.
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    Leans Left
    This outlet slightly leans left.
  3. 'American Primeval' Is a Bloody Slog Through the Old West

    Smith has written a wallow that repeatedly mistakes suffering for profundity, and seems to take more pleasure out of finding nasty ways to kill characters than it does in making those characters interesting enough for viewers to care about when they die.

    'American Primeval' Is a Bloody Slog Through the Old West

    Rolling StoneRolling Stone·3M
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    This source has a mixed track record—sometimes accurate but also prone to bias, sensationalism, or incomplete reporting.
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    Left
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  1. Los Angeles Times
  2. TIME Magazine
  3. Rolling Stone
Updated: Jan 9th, 2025, 7:01 AM ET

Summary

A summary of the key points of this story verified across multiple sources.

Netflix's 'American Primeval', set in 1857 Utah, follows characters caught in a brutal conflict between the U.S. Army, Mormon militia, and Indigenous peoples, highlighting themes of survival and moral complexity. The series juxtaposes historical events with fictional narratives, focusing on Sara and her son amidst escalating violence, while aiming to comment on the nature of American identity and conflict. Despite strong performances, critiques arise about its reliance on graphic violence and uneven storytelling.

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