Kevin Costner's ambitious Western epic, Horizon: An American Saga, initially fell flat at the box office, grossing only $38 million worldwide since its June 28 release. This lackluster performance left fans and critics questioning the future of the planned quartet of films. Costner, who not only directed but also co-wrote and starred in the saga, opted to invest $38 million of his own money to bring this passion project to fruition. The bond between the cinematic storytelling and historical representation seemed appealing at first, but audiences didn't respond as anticipated.
Despite disappointing theater results, hope remains. Following its digital debut on Netflix, Horizon has revived its visibility, quickly climbing to the second spot among streaming films. By the end of the year, it was trailing only behind Heart of the Sea and establishing itself as one of the service's most watched titles.
The film explores the tumultuous period of the Civil War from 1861 to 1865, focusing on both settlers and indigenous people as they navigate the harsh realities of life on the frontier. With its exploration of serious themes like settlement, loss, and friendship, it provides viewers with more than just entertainment—something Costner intended from the start. Richard Brady of The New Yorker noted how Costner and co-writer Jon Baird "carefully plant loose ends" throughout the film, laying the groundwork for potential future storylines, even as it seemed to struggle narratively.
Horizon boasts an impressive ensemble cast, including Sienna Miller, Sam Worthington, Michael Rooker, and Jena Malone. The film's storytelling allowed room for growth among its characters, many of whom are rooted deeply within this transformative historical backdrop. Costner’s direction was compared to his earlier work—his first Civil War era project since Dances With Wolves, which won seven Academy Awards.
Initially, Horizon had been projected as a grand trailer for saga, sparking excitement similar to the high expectations set by his previous works. Critics, on the other hand, provided mixed reviews: Rolling Stone pointed out narrative shortcomings, indicating the interwoven storylines struggled to stand independently; yet, The Observer's Wendy Ide found beauty within its execution, describing it as “handsome” but criticized the authenticity of its setting, stating, “It’s about as authentically Old West as a set of dental veneers.”
Kevin Costner’s dedication went beyond directing; he also faced conflicting schedules with Yellowstone, which eventually impacted his departure from the series. Such strong commitment to Horizon highlights the personal stake Costner has in ensuring its success. The running time of three hours was met with some complaints from audiences used to shorter films. Michael Rooker, who portrays Sgt. Major Thomas Riordan, addressed this by urging viewers to embrace longer storytelling, remarking, "It’s real cinema, folks. Be prepared. We ain’t used to..." This sentiment suggests growing pains as viewers adjust to exploring epic narratives more organically.
Filmed against the stunning landscapes of Utah, Horizon offers some truly breathtaking visuals, beautifully captured throughout its runtime. By moving to streaming platforms, Costner hopes to expand the audience's reach beyond theaters, and Netflix's warm reception has provided renewed promises for the film's potential success.
Looking forward, the fate of subsequent chapters remains uncertain, particularly after the cancellation of the initial release dates. Chapter 2, originally slated for August 2024, lacks any updated plans after box-office numbers raised red flags about its viability. Stakeholders hope the newfound success on streaming platforms will reinforce the franchise's stature and help push the story forward, even if it has to embrace some delays.
With the streaming narrative gaining steam, many anticipate the future of Horizon may find solace online where audiences have been more receptive. Costner’s vision for this American saga still stands, as streaming success could revive and reshape plans for the sequels. The cinematic world often leans on unpredictable results and it seems today, the horizon might just look brighter than it did after its initial release.