Film Reviews & Movie Analysis

Set in 1857, American Primeval drops us into a brutal, lawless Utah Territory where pioneers, Native Americans, the U.S. Army, and Mormon settlers are locked in a fight for survival. At the centre of it all is Sara Rowell (Betty Gilpin), a mother determined to reach Crooks Spring with her young son Devin (Preston Mota). If you’re a fan of history and violence then this six-part gritty western could be for you.

The pilot episode is all about set up as we gain an understanding of the shifting power balance in Utah and those caught unwillingly in its crosshairs. We also meet Isaac Reed (Taylor Kitsch), a mysterious frontiersman who refuses to take Sara and Devin to Crooks Springs.

Isaac Reed’s frontier Batman mostly skulks in the background during the pilot episode. Sara is the driving force character wise, and for the most part we like her. She doesn’t take no for an answer, and though she seems a little short with her son Devin, it clearly comes from a place of protectiveness and love. I mean, have you seen some of those unwashed frontier dwellers?!

The pilot episode sets up several possible series plot lines, including:

• Sara’s journey to Crooks Springs – Why is Sara in such a hurry to get there? Why is her husband there without his wife and son?
• Ownership of Utah Territory – Who is in the right over land ownership? How far are they willing to go to prove it?
• Who is Two Moons? – The Native American girl (Shawnee Pourier) who runs away from her family and sneaks onto Sara’s wagon.

American Primeval is a gritty western with a bloody twist, but will the pilot episode convince you to watch the entire series?

If you want to hear a full breakdown of the pilot for American Primeval, check out The Pilot Principle, where I dive even deeper into the first episode’s strengths, weaknesses, and series expectations.