Bloodshed in the New World: Tribal, National, and Religious Conflict in American Colonial History as Depicted in Netflix’s American Primeval

I just took a History of Cinema in Indonesia and a World War II in Popular Culture class last semester. In these classes, all I did was watch movies, contemplate their plot, and write historical analyses in my movie reviews. I truly enjoyed these classes and it was such a great decision.

Since I want to improve my writing skills, particularly in an academic yet semi-popular style, I plan to write movie analyses for every historical fiction film or series I watch. Besides improving my writing, this will also provide me with valuable references and inspiration for my own historical fiction writing someday (hopefully in the near future).

Last week, I discovered this series on a “Top 10” list, as it had recently been added to Netflix, and the trailer intrigued me. To be honest, I’m not a huge fan of the Cowboys, the Wild West, or that genre in general. I wasn’t familiar with any of the actors before I saw Dane DeHaan on screen *simping*. However, when a series began with a violent and shocking opening, or killing off one of the main characters immediately from the start, I AM SAT, I was completely captivated. (The Game of Thrones’ Ned Stark scene still deeply affects me tho.)

This series is set during the American Frontier period of the early to mid-1800s, specifically in Utah in 1857. Inspired by the true events of the Mountain Meadows Massacre, the series features characters based on real historical figures.

Plot and Historical Background

The story follows Sara Rowell (Betty Gilpin) and her child, Devin (Preston Mota), who are traveling to Crook Springs. In this era, solo travel was extremely dangerous, with the threat of attacks from local tribes seeking to protect their land. Seeking a safe passage, they decide to join a Mormon caravan led by Abish (Saura Lightfoot Leon) and Jacob (Dane DeHaan) first before finally being guided by a man called Isaac Reed and an Indigenous girl called Two Moons (Shawnee Porier).

I was already familiar with the Mormon community, having read about their history online. I learned that the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, founded by Joseph Smith in 1830, is headquartered in Salt Lake City, Utah, and boasts over 16 million members worldwide. Another significant Mormon denomination is the Community of Christ (formerly the Reorganized Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints), based in Independence, Missouri, with approximately 250,000 members.

The first episode begins with a devastating attack on the Mormon caravan, staged by Mormon soldiers disguised as Native Americans. This act of deception frames the Shoshone tribe as the perpetrators, while Sara Cowell and her son, who witness the massacre, become fugitives. Now hunted by both the Mormons and those seeking a bounty for their capture, they embark on a perilous journey.

The series vividly depicts the complex conflicts that characterized the American West: clashes between Native American tribes, the expansionist ambitions of white settlers (represented by the Mormons), and the intervention of the U.S. government to assert its authority and control the territory

Character Representations of Historical Facts

I start with the main characters and protagonists of this film, they are Sara Rowell, her son, Devin Rowell, Two Moons, and Isaac Reed. Sara exemplifies the archetype of a devoted mother who will go to any lengths to protect her child. Her dialogue and actions demonstrate her immense sacrifices for Devin. However, the series unfortunately lacks a proper explanation of her backstory in Boston, including the nature of her crime, before their arrival in Crook Springs.

Isaac Reed, Mr. Reed (he really looks like the old version of Austin Bulter and the better version of Otto Hightower’s actor LOL) embodies the typical lead male in action movies: a traumatized and hardened individual who isolates himself from society and his Shoshone community. However, a significant plot point — the need to protect Sara Rowell — triggers a second chance for him. This character archetype is reminiscent of Christ Pine’s role in ‘Dungeons & Dragons.’

Two Moons, an indigenous girl, escapes her abusive family with the help of Devin Rowell and subsequently becomes a protector. Her character strongly reminds me of Sacagawea. The inability to speak is attributed to her tongue being cut off.

My research did not uncover evidence of widespread tongue cutting among Native Americans. This practice may have been a form of punishment, but it serves as a powerful symbol of the silencing and oppression experienced by indigenous peoples. The government’s suppression of their languages and the deprivation of their rights have led to the extinction of many Native American languages. According to Smithsonian Magazine, ‘Before Europeans settled in what is now the United States, Native Americans spoke as many as 500 different languages. Virtually none of them had a written component, which further imperiled their survival during colonization. They couldn’t pass them on due to the prohibition against speaking them

“The idea was to get rid of the Indians and what made them Indian.”

Moving on to the antagonists, the Mormons, they are the primary cause of this conflict. The Utah Governor also the Mormon’s leader, driven by a desire to expand their territory and secure a livelihood for their community, seeks sympathy from the states. They are willing to attack their own people and frame the Shoshone Native Americans for these acts. Their actions are consistently justified in the name of God.

“Religious fanaticism can be a powerful force for both good and evil.”

One particularly disturbing scene depicts the Governor ordering the assassination of witnesses to their crimes. Immediately afterward, he appears before Utah citizens to offer a blessing and prayers. This hypocrisy strongly reminds me of the actions of some Christian leaders during the Middle Ages, or even today, who commit numerous sins while maintaining a facade of piety and delivering sanctimonious sermons to their congregations.

Another crucial role in the story belongs to Jacob and Abish, a Mormon couple who survive the massacre. Jacob suffers a severe brain injury from the attack, while Abish is taken captive by the Shoshone leader, Red Feather.

The plot intentionally confuses the Mormons and Sara Hunter by suggesting that Abish is with Sara. This leads them to search for both women, with the goal of helping Jacob find his wife and capturing Sara and her son. However, Abish has joined the Shoshone and develops a sense of belonging within their community, potentially hinting at a Stockholm Syndrome dynamic and a possible love triangle involving Abish, Jacob, and Red Feather.

The ending presents a significant plot twist: the conflict between the Shoshone and the Mormons ultimately drives a wedge between Abish and Jacob, leading to a tragic confrontation where they find themselves on opposing sides.

The Shoshone are portrayed as Native Americans who, at that time, often sought to avoid conflict with the U.S. government by fleeing and seeking refuge. While the land rightfully belonged to them, they prioritized the preservation of their people over engaging in constant warfare. However, the narrative acknowledges that there are always two sides to every coin, especially when individuals experience significant trauma and seek revenge.

This is exemplified by the Shoshone female leader (Isaac Reed’s mother), who advocates for relocation to avoid further conflict. However, Red Feather, driven by pride and a desire to protect his people, insists on confronting the Mormons.

Finally, I’d like to discuss my favorite characters. I appreciate stories that present complex characters with both good and bad qualities. One such character is the Federal Leader. He meticulously documents the conflicts. encountered in the territory while simultaneously expressing his personal emotions in his writings. This practice likely reflects the tradition of many colonial governments, where such records served as crucial archives for understanding colonial history. However, this Federal Soldier also exemplifies the naiveté of many “hero-wannabes” who often make poor decisions. His suspicion of the Mormons, for instance, ultimately leads to his demise at their hands.

Another significant character is Jim Bridger, the owner of Fort Bridger. He plays a crucial neutral role in the story by providing a safe haven for various communities within the American wilderness. However, he faces challenges from the Utah Governor who seeks to seize his fort. Bridger is inspired by the real-life figure of the same name, a renowned 19th-century pioneer and fur trapper. According to the National Park Service, he was one of the greatest explorers and mountain men of his era, surviving numerous perilous expeditions across the largely uncharted Western frontier.

The series concludes with the main characters, Sara Rowell and her son, finally reaching Crook Springs. However, the conflict between the Shoshone and the Mormons results in the demise of many characters involved in the massacre.

This serves as a stark reminder that historical fiction, particularly narratives depicting war and conflict, often involves the tragic loss of beloved characters.

My own extensive research into colonial history, both in the Dutch East Indies and other colonies like America, has revealed a complex reality. Colonial societies, characterized by multiculturalism and the imposition of foreign governance, often produced individuals with multifaceted motivations. These individuals cannot simply be categorized as “good” or “bad.” They frequently made difficult choices, prioritizing their own survival and the well-being of their communities above all else.

Unfortunately, this often involved compromising their principles and even collaborating with the oppressor. History is rife with examples, such as the Shoshone individual who became a translator for the Federal Soldiers, or numerous local leaders in Dutch East Indies colonial history who sacrificed their people for personal gain. These individuals illustrate the complexities of navigating survival and maintaining one’s integrity in the face of overwhelming adversity.