American Primeval: Netflix’s Eloquent Fiction on the Dark Chapters of Western History

Netflix's latest limited series, *American Primeval*, is currently dominating the streaming charts with its six gritty episodes, marking a collaboration between acclaimed screenwriter Mark L. Smith (*The Revenant*) and producer Peter Berg (*Friday Night Lights*). Set against the tumultuous backdrop of the pre-Civil War era in what is now Utah and southern Wyoming, the series seeks to explore the violent battles for control in a lawless land, yet it does so while softening much of the historical brutality associated with the Mormon War and the infamous Mountain Meadows Massacre.

Berg's philosophical commentary, noted during promotional materials, asserts that the series reveals an unsettling truth: "We have consistently proven ourselves to be... a very violent, territorial species." This sentiment rings true throughout the narrative, rife with themes of murder, betrayal, and a brutal fight for survival. However, while the creators strive for a raw portrayal of this tumultuous chapter in American history, they opt to tone down the actual historical violence, particularly during the depiction of the Mountain Meadows Massacre—a tragic event in which a wagon train of emigrants was violently attacked by Mormon militia.

At the heart of the storyline is Sara, portrayed by Betty Gilpin, a Victorian woman journeying west with her young son in search of a better life. They cross paths with Isaac (Taylor Kitsch), a rugged former member of the Shoshone Tribe grappling with his own tragic past. Their reluctant alliance symbolizes the desperate quest for survival amidst chaos, enriched by a cast of supporting characters each driven by their own motives—from the desperate husband Jacob Pratt seeking his missing wife (Saura Lightfoot-Leon) to the U.S. Army captain attempting to maintain order amid the chaos.

As acclaimed as *American Primeval* may be, it risks crossing the line between historical homage and misguided dramatization. For instance, while the series captures various perspectives—including that of Brigham Young and the Latter-day Saints—historical accuracy takes a backseat, especially regarding the depiction of the Mountain Meadows Massacre itself. Rather than delving into the grueling realities of the event that until today remains controversial, the series opts for a quick, dramatized attack, minimizing the horror of what transpired.

Historically, the Baker-Fancher wagon train, composed of around 40 families traveling west, endured a five-day siege in September 1857 before being overwhelmed. The real massacre saw emigrants deceived into believing they would be granted safe passage, only to find themselves ambushed. The historical aftermath was equally tragic, with surviving children taken in by Mormon families, leaving a deep scar on collective memory.

In an effort to portray multiple viewpoints, the creators intertwine narratives and soften the edges of historical events to highlight the human aspect of survival and conflict. Smith notes that while the violence stemmed from the Mormon militia, the perceived threat from emigrants was a driving force behind their aggression. This attempt at balance raises questions about the integrity of storytelling when dealing with sensitive historical events.

Despite its shortcomings, *American Primeval* touches on important themes of violence, displacement, and the human condition in the often romanticized yet brutal American West. While it may not fully embrace the raw truth of its historical inspirations, it nevertheless invites a conversation about the legacy of such events and the complexities of depicting them on screen.

In a media landscape filled with works that often gloss over the brutal nature of America's past, *American Primeval* emerges as a reflection of the inherent violence in the pursuit of progress—an acknowledgment that history is never as black and white as it may seem. As viewers engage with this series, it becomes an opportunity to reflect not only on cinematic storytelling but also on the narratives that shape our understanding of history. Will audiences find the truth in the dramatization, or will it merely add another layer to the myth of the American West? There's much to uncover—tune in to decide for yourself.