In the new Netflix limited series “American Primeval,” written by “The Revenant” author Mark. L. Smith, audiences are drawn into the viciousness of the American West, particularly the Utah Territory in 1857. The show follows the perilous journey of a young mother and son desperate to make a fresh start, and examines several groups of Americans – Pioneers, Indigenous people, military men and Mormons – all struggle to survive in a deeply volatile, fear-filled world. The six episodes offer a brutal, fascinating portrayal of a culture and a country that has not yet overcome its most violent tendencies.

This western begins in the middle of the Utah War, an increasingly bloody conflict between the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints – also known as Mormons, led by Utah Governor Brigham Young (an unrecognizable Kim Coates) and the U.S. Army. Sara Rowell (Betty Gilpin), a prim and proper but harried woman, arrives at a train station with her son Devin (Preston Mota). Thousands of miles from her home in Philadelphia, Sara is determined to drive further west to meet Devin’s father in the California town of Crook Springs. After the two arrived three weeks late due to unreliable train timetables, they unfortunately learned that the person they had agreed to accompany them had left. Additionally, when they arrive at Fort Bridger, run by mountaineer Jim Bridger (Shea Whigham), Sara can’t find anyone willing to accompany her to her destination.

The trek to Crook Springs, which consists of a snow-covered mountain passage, an escalating conflict between the Mormons and the Shoshone tribe, and vast areas of unpredictable wildlife and outlaws, is not something most men are prepared to deal with, despite Sara’s generous financial incentive . Determined to continue her journey for the sake of her son, Sara finds herself in a dangerous situation and is forced to rely on the elusive Issac Reed (Taylor Kitsch), a gruff hermit living on the outskirts of Ft. Bridger. Issac is the enigma of a man with a deep understanding of the region and its people. Despite his initial hostility, the secret of his past is slowly revealed as the story progresses.

Directed by Peter Berg, American Primeval is a truly captivating experience. The audience is shown different perspectives through low-angle and tracking shots as well as exceptional on-site camera work under the direction of Jacques Jouffret. Every single scene is deeply detailed and intense. Blood is seen flowing from skinned animals, the near-constant cruelty of the state’s varying climates is evident, and the ruthless, murderous people driven by capitalism and colonialism are deadly. It’s also clear that almost everyone, including Sara, has ulterior motives.

Although Sara’s journey is the focus of the series, the series also presents other characters on their own unique journeys. Brigham Young is moody, vindictive, and focused on creating a safe space for Mormons. He will stop at nothing to make his dream come true. Jacob (Dane DeHaan) and Abish Pratt (Saura Lightfoot Leon), a newly married Mormon couple on their way to Salt Lake City, cross paths with Sara and Devin. Additionally, the narrative highlights the Shoshone tribe, who watched as their land and people were devastated by white settlers who claimed it as their own without regard for centuries of culture and tradition. Led by Julie O’Keefe, director of Indigenous culture, the artisans behind “American Primeval” showcase the differences between tribes. There is the Paiute tribe, which has a different attitude towards the colonizers than the Shoshone. Audiences are also introduced to Red Feather (Derek Hinkey), who leads a more radical faction of the Shoshone called the Wolf Clan. He is fixated on getting revenge on both army men and Mormons.

America is not yet two and a half centuries old. Because the country is still in its infancy, the country’s growing pains are becoming increasingly apparent and the echoes of history remain ever-present. Western films are typically portrayed from the perspective of men, and those perspectives are clearly evident here. But by anchoring Sara at the center of this narrative and presenting the viewpoints of Two Moons (Shawnee Pourier), a nonverbal indigenous girl, and Abish, who was forced to marry Jacob only after her sister’s death, “American Primeval.” ” recognizes how intertwined the fate of women during this time is with the whims, flaws and desires of the men around them. Furthermore, the constant threat of sexual violence (which thankfully is not explicitly depicted here) shows another element of the terror they face.

The story of “American Primeval” takes place in less than two weeks. Nevertheless, the impact on those who lived and moved in the Utah area during this time is reflected throughout American history. The series offers a handful of perspectives, but many more remain hidden and unknown. What remains true until the last image of the show and into our lives today is that civilization and the civilized rarely occupy the same space.

““American Primeval” premieres on Netflix on January 9th.