Is this a confession booth? OK. Fine. I like Kevin Costner movies; I don’t care if he’s not the most popular kid on the block or if he’s not Daniel Day-Lewis; he’s a talented guy whose passion for films is infectious. I don’t think they’re great films, but I even like Waterworld and The Postman. These movies are monuments to his love for cinema, something that always gets me going.

But with that being said, Costners has been quite boring for a while; when was his last passion project? Decades ago. But now, in 2024, he returns with his first directed feature since 2003’s Open Range. Horizons: An American Saga will not just be a single movie but a two-part cinematic event, with the first part releasing on June 28, 2024, and the second part following on August 16, 2024

The film, distributed by Warner Bros. Pictures, is a sprawling narrative covering 15 years of pre-and post-Civil War expansion and settlement of the American West. It chronicles the allure of the Old West, delving into the triumphs and tragedies experienced during this tumultuous period. This is a return to the epic west of yonder, something we don’t see on screen nowadays so often. 

Costner not only directs and stars in the film but also co-writes it with Jon Baird, known for “The Explorers Guild.” The project boasts an impressive ensemble cast, including notable names like Sienna Miller, Sam Worthington, Jena Malone, Owen Crow Shoe, Tatanka Means, and many others.

The film’s development has been a significant undertaking, with plans to create four films in total, shot back-to-back. The first film was completed by November 2022, and the production of the second film had already begun by Spring 2023. This ambitious schedule might prove tricky, but it’s certainly endearing from the outside in the same way Megalopolis is.

Costner’s history with the West is long-standing, from Dances With Wolves all the way to the modern TV show Yellowstone. He’s been a stalwart of the genre, and it’s comforting to see him returning to the sprawling west. Making this one of the must-see films of 2024. 

Release Date: June 28, 2024

Will It Be Good?

Even if it’s a great film, I wouldn’t anticipate universal adoration. When was the last time you heard anyone speak about Dances With Wolves or Open Range? This is the sort of film which I’d anticipate quietly building a following in the future. I expect it’ll do decently at the box office due to Yellowstone, but in general, it will be a hard film to assess quality-wise. 

I’m hopeful for it, though. I think Costner is a talented professional who knows how to tell a great story. Will it be amazing? Maybe-maybe not. But I have high hopes it’ll be worth watching.

Will It Be Worth Watching? Probably.