"American Primeval."

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“American Primeval” (Netflix), historical drama miniseries. Premise: Set in 1857 during the Utah War, the series examines the fight to gain control of the American West and the violent clash between the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints and cultures in the Utah Territory, centering on the events surrounding the Mountain Meadows Massacre. (You may google info about the massacre.)



       Known historical figures are expectedly here. Brigham Young (Kim Coates), the first Governor of the Utah Territory and the second President of the LDS Church. Jim Bridger (Shea Whigham), the founder and leader of the Bridger Fort trading post. And Wild Bill Hickman (Alex Breaux), a high-ranking member of the LDS Church.

       All these actors portrayed the personalities as we read them. I think. No improvisations, which is fine.

       As expected as well, the veracity of the events and characterizations are a discourse. Of course. And the LDS faithful may question the depiction of the Mormon Church militia, the Nauvoo Legion. Leave that behind, okay? 

       The 6-episode historical drama miniseries is a captivating watch for its tight grip, bleeding intimacy (regardless of the linear depiction of the personas), and meticulously-staged outdoor sequences. The director, Peter Berg, is known for action movies such as 2007's “The Kingdom” and 2013's “Lone Survivor.”

       Mr Berg is not known for dramatic performances; in fact, his movies’ leads were usually one-dimensional talking heads woven in an enthralling maze of fast-paced action. In the case of “American Primeval,” the central characters--Taylor Kitsch as Isaac Reed and Betty Gilpin as Sara Holloway–instead were able to project soul into their icy facades. But no sex scenes, sorry.

       Right off the bat, the gray cold stabs as it clothes the wasteful murk of 1857 Utah winter. Jacques Jouffret's piercing cinematography didn't waste an inch of Renee Read's achingly detailed production design. 

       Take note that the tools used in building the Bridget Fort in Wyoming were only those available at that time. The U.S. Army built a military post here during the Utah War. Before, it was a fur trading outpost, established by Jim Bridger. 

       This sad series is violent but not gory. Kinda judgmental but not sermonizing. But still a binge-watch bait. But sorry, no Season 2. 🎥💻📽

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