By Steve Crum

Kevin Costner’s epic western, Horizon, should have been better. It saddens me to say such because I am both a huge fan of the western genre plus a Costner fan. His Dances With Wolves remains an all-time classic. 

But now comes Horizon.

Horizon, officially titled Horizon: An American Saga—Chapter 1, is a sprawling (in the true sense) 181-minutes. To be fair, it is difficult to judge the film since it is only 1/4 of the whole story. Yes, there are four, count-em, parts—three yet to be released. Although there are some interesting set pieces in this first chapter, like dissent among the Apaches and lawlessness among the Whites, this Horizon is a character study setting up future developments in plot.  

One can only imagine the progression of plot among the multitude of characters introduced. Among them is, of course, Kevin Costner, who produced, co-wrote, directed and stars. His Hayes Ellison is a Montana territory horse trader who gets mixed up with a prostitute and murder. 

Others in the basic cast of 40+ include Sienna Miller, Sam Worthington, Giovani Ribisi and Michael Rooker. 

The storyline centers on Westward migration during 1859 in the Arizona Territory. Handbills advertise settlement in the newly established town of Horizon. Homesteaders are enticed to settle, despite opposition of opposing Apaches. Of course, the impending danger of such is definitely not mentioned on any advertising circulars. Fast forward to 1863 with the basically tent city burg of Horizon celebrating their new land as Native Americans making armed opposition. A graphic slaughter of men, women and children ensues. 

What follows is retaliation by the cavalry stationed at nearby Camp Gallant as well as greedy, scalp hunting ruffians. The story develops into romances and jealousy at the fort. Cut to Montana violence, life in a railroad work camp, a Santa Fe Trail wagon train, and relentless revenge against Native Americans. 

The aforementioned plot lines have been covered in many aspects since the beginning of the western genre. Costner has emphasized realism and in depth characters in his telling. I really like Costner touches like peering out of a distorted glass window—realistic for that time. In a similar vein, part of a gunfight is via the reflection in a water trough. 

Costner is impressive, as are J. Michael Muro’s cinematography and John Debney’s score. Acting overall is exemplary. 

The picture ends with collage snippets of scenes in the upcoming Horizon—Chapter 2. 

Although Chapter 1 pretty much failed at the box office, much to Costner’s and my chagrin, the second part is indeed planned for a 2025 theatrical release.

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GRADE on an A-F Scale: C+