47/42
A sequel to a story of the settlement of the American West. It follows the further adventures of characters first introduced in Horizon: An American Saga. The film was originally scheduled for an August 16, 2024 release. However, following the commercial failure of Horizon: An American Saga – Chapter 1 (2024), New Line Cinema removed its sequel from its original release date, postponing it indefinitely. Chapter 2 premiered at the 81st Venice International Film Festival on September 7, 2024, with an uncertain theatrical release. It follows Horizon: An American Saga – Chapter 1 (2024). As noted in the first chapter, Costner once again pays homage to the tradition of American cinema, updating it with a modern yet respectful vision. The vast landscapes once again take center stage, mirroring the immensity and rawness of the Old West, and giving the narrative an epic scope. In the second chapter of “Horizon: An American Saga”, Kevin Costner continues to impress with his directorial skill, immersing the audience in an increasingly organic interweaving of stories compared to the first film. While the narratives were clearly distinct in the previous chapter, highlighted by the clever use of warm and cool tones to emphasize their separation, in this second part, we see a gradual convergence of the plots and their characters. The mixture of colors symbolizes the progressive fusion of the stories, while the plot slowly reveals what really lies behind this “Horizon”, a name evocatively displayed on the posters, heightening the audience’s curiosity. Costner takes the viewer on an emotional journey, conveying not only the characters’ trials but also their deep humanity, so much so that the audience itself begins to share their emotions and feelings. The combination of drama and comedy, more pronounced in this chapter, does nothing to diminish the gravity of the story. On the contrary, it adds a lightness that fits well with the challenges and difficult decisions inherent in the journey west, while remaining faithful to the essence of the narrative, maintaining the thread of the difficulties and monumental choices faced by the pioneers. This second chapter serves as a kind of bridge between the initial immersion in the stories and the significant events that await us in the third, suggested by the suggestive final clips, as was done at the end of the first episode. Once again, the actor-director leaves us in anxious anticipation, promising wonders and surprises in the next act. I cannot fail to reiterate my praise for the masterful soundtrack composed by John Debney, whose notes, skillfully intertwined with the visuals, offer a unique sensory experience that transports the audience to another era. I conclude these reflections by repeating myself, saying that “Horizon – An American Saga” is destined to carve its name in the pantheon of timeless cinematic masterpieces – and perhaps it already has – continuing to be discussed for years to come. Arianna Villa. From Alien: Romulus to Road House, take a look at some of our favorite posters from 2024.