Violence and brutality have always been present in the Western genre, but American Primeval takes them further than usual. This Netflix miniseries doesn’t attempt to sugarcoat the era or present a more polished version of history. Instead, it drags the viewer into a ruthless world where survival is the only thing that matters. From the very first episode, tension is present in every scene, and brutality is not just a stylistic choice but a genuine depiction of how fierce and merciless that lawless land truly was.

With Peter Berg at the helm and a screenplay by Mark L. Smith, the series embraces a raw, straightforward narrative with no compromises or detours. Here, characters don’t just struggle against an unforgiving world but also with their past and the choices that have shaped them. Taylor Kitsch and Betty Gilpin deliver intense performances, giving the story the emotional weight it needs. However, some secondary characters lack proper development, which at times weakens the overall impact of the narrative.

One of American Primeval’s greatest strengths is its atmosphere. Jacques Jouffret’s cinematography is simply stunning. Each shot captures the raw beauty of the landscape while contrasting it with the era’s brutality, creating a visually striking and immersive experience. Berg’s direction maintains a relentless pace that barely allows for a moment to breathe, reinforcing the constant sense of danger.

That said, the series is not without its flaws. At times, the plot feels scattered, with subplots that don’t fully develop. Additionally, its relentlessly bleak and hopeless tone may be exhausting for those expecting a Western with a glimmer of light or redemption. While it attempts to explore themes such as violence, colonization, and the fight for power, it sometimes skims the surface without delving deeply enough.

Ultimately, American Primeval is a raw, visceral, and uncompromising Western. It’s not a series for everyone, but those who appreciate hard-hitting, well-crafted, and visually striking stories will find it an absorbing experience. Though it doesn’t entirely escape genre clichés and its unrelenting intensity may be overwhelming, it’s one of those productions that pulls you in—even as it relentlessly pummels you.