Warning, spoilers! This article returns to the plot of the first episode of American Dawn. If you haven’t seen it yet and don’t want to know what it’s all about, read no further.
It’s a bit like Netflix’s anti-Yellowstone, and it’s clearly a success. Written by Taylor Kitsch and directed by Peter Berg, American Dawn immerses audiences in the brutal and conflicted America of the 19th century.
The first episode contains an unforgettable scene in the middle of its plot, where Sarah (Betty Gilpin) and her son Devin (Preston Mota) desperately try to survive a brutal attack. Arrows fly, bodies fall, and the camera almost never leaves the protagonist, heightening the dramatic intensity.
Directed by Peter Berg, this scene lasts about seven minutes and took months to prepare. “We wanted the attack to happen in real time and for the audience to experience it through Sarah’s eyes.Berg explained to the site Tudum.
The choice to frame this event in sequence was intended to capture the chaos and violence of the time. According to Berg, the complex choreography for this scene involved about 280 extras and several expertly linked shots. This visual bias heightens the emotional impact of the attack, drawing the viewer into the heart of the brutal and visceral conflict.
Massacre of the mountain meadows, a historical turning point
The attack depicted in the first episode was inspired by the Mountain Meadows Massacre, a tragic episode in American history that took place in 1857. The event saw members of the Nauvoo Legion, a Mormon militia led by Brigham Young, played by Kim Coates in the series. – Attack the pioneer convoy. The attackers, disguised as members of indigenous tribes, killed more than a hundred men, women and children.
Eric Newman, executive producer, explains this narrative choice: “The event represented an intersection between several groups—Native Nations, the US government, Mormons, and pioneers. It reflects the extreme tension of the time.“For the creators of the series, it was also about showing multiple points of view, even when it leads to violent action.
Faithful reconstruction thanks to in-depth research
To authentically recreate this period of history, the production team invited numerous consultants: military, historical and cultural experts. Peter Berg visited iconic sites with historians, including Fort Bridger and the site of the massacre.
Collaboration with local specialists also made it possible to recreate period-accurate costumes, weapons and camps. Julie O’Keefe, a local cultural consultant, oversaw this effort to ensure respectful and accurate representation.
Mark L. Smith, the screenwriter, insists on the importance of historical accuracy, even in the dialogue. “For example, many of Brigham Young’s sermons use his own words.“, he explains on Tudum’s website. This attention to detail gives the series a rare depth and authenticity, taking viewers to the heart of the birth of primitive America.
American Dawn is currently available on Netflix.
Source: Allocine
Rose James is a Gossipify movie and series reviewer known for her in-depth analysis and unique perspective on the latest releases. With a background in film studies, she provides engaging and informative reviews, and keeps readers up to date with industry trends and emerging talents.
