Is “American Primeval” Based on a Real Horror?

The Real Story Behind Netflix’s ‘American Primeval’

Netflix’s new limited series “American Primeval” debuted this week and quickly claimed the top spot as the streamer’s most popular show. While watching, you might be wondering how much of “American Primeval” is based on real-life events and if the characters are historically accurate. Directed and executive produced by Peter Berg, with writing by Mark L. Smith, “American Primeval” is a six-episode drama set in 1857 Utah Territory. The series explores the violent conflicts between Native Americans, pioneers, Mormon soldiers, and the U.S. government. The historical drama stars Taylor Kitsch, Betty Gilpin, Kim Coates, Shea Whigham, Saura Lightfoot-Leon, and Shawnee Pourier.

Berg was inspired to create “American Primeval” after coming across a story about the Utah War in 2020. “I read an article on something called the Mountain Meadows Massacre,” Berg told Netflix’s Tudum. “[It] was something that interested me, and I started doing a lot of research on it.” Here’s what to know while watching “American Primeval” — from which characters are real or fictional to the events of the deadly Mountain Meadows Massacre, the fate of Fort Bridger, and more.

Inspirations and Influences

According to Berg, “American Primeval” draws inspiration from several historical events and figures, particularly the Utah War and the Mountain Meadows Massacre. The series aims to capture the brutality and complexity of this period in American history, exploring the clash of cultures, ideologies, and ambitions that fueled the conflict.

• Peter Berg’s Inspiration for Creating American Primeval: Berg’s interest in the Mountain Meadows Massacre, a horrific event where Mormon militiamen killed hundreds of emigrants, sparked the idea for the series. He sought to delve into the historical context and motivations behind this tragedy, exploring the themes of religious extremism, frontier violence, and the struggle for power.
• The Utah War and Mountain Meadows Massacre: Historical Events that Shaped the Series: The Utah War (1857-1858) was a conflict between the United States Army and the Mormon militia in the Utah Territory. The Mountain Meadows Massacre, a key event in the war, involved the killing of unarmed emigrants by Mormon militiamen and Paiute Native Americans. Berg uses these historical events as a backdrop for his fictional narrative, weaving in elements of truth and speculation to create a compelling and thought-provoking story.
• Mark L. Smith’s Writing Style and its Influence on the Show: Smith, known for his gritty and intense writing style, brings a raw and visceral quality to “American Primeval.” His previous work, including the screenplay for “The Revenant,” demonstrates his ability to capture the harsh realities of frontier life and the psychological toll of violence. His writing style adds to the show’s unsettling and unforgettable atmosphere.

Fact vs. Fiction: Character Analysis

“American Primeval” blends historical figures with fictional characters, creating a complex tapestry of individuals caught in the midst of a violent conflict. While some characters are directly based on real historical figures, others are inspired by real events or archetypes.

• Historical Figures in the Series: Who’s Real and Who’s Fictional: The series features several real historical figures, including Jim Bridger (played by Shea Whigham), Brigham Young (portrayed by Kim Coates), and Wild Bill Hickman (played by Alex Breaux). These figures played significant roles in the events of the Utah War and the Mountain Meadows Massacre, and their portrayals aim to shed light on their complex motivations and actions.
• Characters Inspired by Real People: The Blurring of Lines between History and Fiction: While the central family of Sara Rowell (Betty Gilpin), Devin Rowell (Preston Mota), Isaac Reed (Taylor Kitsch), and Two Moons (Shawnee Pourier) is fictional, their stories are interwoven with historical events and inspired by real accounts of hardship, survival, and displacement. Similarly, Abish (Saura Lightfoot-Leon) is a fictional character whose storyline draws inspiration from historical accounts of women abducted by Native tribes in Utah.
• The Fictional Central Family and its Impact on the Storyline: The fictional Rowell family acts as a lens through which viewers can experience the chaos and brutality of the Utah War. Their journey becomes a microcosm of the larger conflict, highlighting the personal struggles and sacrifices endured by ordinary people caught in the crossfire.

The Mountain Meadows Massacre: A Real-Life Tragedy

The Mountain Meadows Massacre, a pivotal event in American history, serves as the emotional and thematic core of “American Primeval.” This horrific event, in which Mormon militiamen killed hundreds of emigrants, continues to be a source of controversy and debate.

• The Actual Event: Mormon Militiamen and the Slaughter of the Baker-Fancher Wagon Train: In September 1857, a wagon train led by emigrants John Baker and William Fancher traveled through Utah Territory, encountering tensions with local Mormon settlers. On September 11, 1857, a group of Mormon militiamen, aided by Paiute Native Americans, ambushed and killed 120 unarmed emigrants, including men, women, and children.
• How the Show Depicts the Massacre: Loosely Based on History with Creative Liberties: While “American Primeval” draws inspiration from the Mountain Meadows Massacre, it fictionalizes certain aspects and characters to create a more dramatic and engaging narrative. The show explores the motivations and complexities of the perpetrators, shedding light on the social, political, and religious tensions that contributed to the tragedy.
• The Significance of the Massacre in American Primeval: A Bloody and Brutal Affair: The Mountain Meadows Massacre serves as a powerful reminder of the violence and bloodshed that characterized the expansion of the United States. It highlights the dark side of American history, exposing the potential for extremism, prejudice, and brutality when power and ideology clash.

Behind the Scenes: Creation and Direction

The creation of “American Primeval” involved a talented team of filmmakers who brought Berg’s vision to life. The series benefits from Berg’s experience in directing intense and realistic action sequences, his understanding of historical contexts, and his ability to capture the emotional complexities of his characters.

Peter Berg’s Vision and Direction

Peter Berg, known for his gritty and realistic portrayals of conflict in films like “Lone Survivor” and “We Own the Night,” brings his signature style to “American Primeval.” Berg’s approach to directing emphasizes authenticity and emotional resonance, aiming to create a visceral and immersive experience for viewers.

• Berg’s Approach to Portraying Historical Events and Characters: Berg strives for historical accuracy while acknowledging the limitations of recreating past events. He balances factual details with creative liberties, aiming to create a compelling narrative that honors the complexities of history while engaging contemporary audiences.
• The Challenges of Bringing a Bloody and Violent Period in History to Life: Berg acknowledges the inherent challenges in depicting violence and brutality realistically. He seeks to portray the psychological and physical toll of conflict on individuals and communities, avoiding gratuitous violence while conveying the harsh realities of the era.
• Berg’s Inspiration for the Show’s Title and its Significance: The title “American Primeval” evokes a sense of wildness, primitiveness, and the untamed nature of the American frontier. It reflects the show’s exploration of the darker aspects of American history and the clash between civilization and savagery.

The Cast and their Characters

The cast of “American Primeval” features a diverse group of talented actors who bring depth and complexity to their roles. The actors’ performances contribute significantly to the show’s emotional impact and its ability to draw viewers into the world of the series.

• Taylor Kitsch as Isaac Reed: A Strong and Silent Loner: Taylor Kitsch portrays Isaac Reed, a grizzled mountain man haunted by his past. Reed becomes a reluctant hero, caught between the dangers of the frontier and his desire to protect those he cares about. Kitsch’s performance conveys Reed’s strength, resilience, and inner turmoil.
• Betty Gilpin as Sara Rowell: A Damsel in Distress with a Price on her Head: Betty Gilpin portrays Sara Rowell, a woman fleeing persecution who finds herself thrust into a dangerous and unpredictable world. Gilpin’s performance captures Sara’s strength, vulnerability, and determination to survive in a hostile environment.
• Other Notable Cast Members and their Roles in the Series: The show features a strong supporting cast, including Kim Coates as Brigham Young, Shea Whigham as Jim Bridger, and Shawnee Pourier as Two Moons.

The Writing Team and their Approach

Mark L. Smith’s experience in writing for gritty, historical narratives is evident in his work on “American Primeval.” Smith, known for his ability to craft suspenseful stories with complex characters, brings a unique perspective to the Utah War narrative.

• Mark L. Smith’s Writing Style and its Influence on the Show: Smith’s writing style is characterized by its gritty realism, complex characters, and exploration of moral ambiguity. His influence on “American Primeval” is evident in its brutal honesty about the violence of the era and the shades of grey in the characters’ motivations.
• The Balance between History and Fiction in the Series: The show navigates the line between historical accuracy and fictional narrative. This balance is crucial in creating a story that is both captivating and informative.
• The Impact of the Writing Team’s Approach on the Show’s Overall Tone and Style: Smith’s writing style, combined with Berg’s direction, creates a tone of suspense and intrigue that keeps viewers on the edge of their seats.