31/16
A continuation of a single story about the settlement of the American West, it follows the further adventures of characters first appeared in Horizon: An American Saga. The film was originally scheduled for release on August 16, 2024. However, following the commercial failure of Horizon: An American Saga – Chapter 1 (2024), New Line Cinema removed the sequel from its original release date, delaying it indefinitely. Chapter 2 premiered at the 81st Venice International Film Festival on September 7, 2024, with an uncertain theatrical release. It is followed by Horizon: An American Saga – Chapter 1 (2024). As noted in the first chapter, Costner once again pays homage to the traditions of American cinema, refreshing it with a modern yet respectful vision. The sweeping landscapes once again take center stage, reflecting the vastness and ruggedness of the Old West, giving the narrative an epic scope. In the second chapter of « Horizon: An American Saga », Kevin Costner continues to impress with his directorial skills, immersing the audience in an increasingly organic intertwining of stories compared to the first part. While the narratives were clearly separated in the previous chapter, emphasized 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 mixing of colors symbolizes the gradual merging of the plots, while the plot slowly reveals what really lies behind this « Horizon », the name evocatively presented on the posters, increasing the curiosity of the audience. Costner takes the viewer on an emotional journey, conveying not only the trials of the characters, 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 visible in this chapter, does not detract from the seriousness of the story. On the contrary, it adds a lightness that fits in well with the challenges and difficult decisions inherent in the journey west, while remaining true to the essence of the narrative, maintaining the thread of difficulties and monumental choices that the pioneers face. This second chapter serves as a kind of bridge between the initial immersion in the stories and the significant events awaiting us in the third, suggested by the evocative final clips, just as it was done at the end of the first episode. Once again, the actor-director leaves us in suspense, promising wonders and surprises in the next act. I cannot help but praise the masterful score composed by John Debney, whose notes, skillfully interwoven with the visual effects, offer a unique sensory experience, transporting the audience to another era. I end these musings by reiterating to myself that « Horizon: An American Saga » has the potential to enter the pantheon of timeless cinematic masterpieces—and perhaps already has—and will continue to be a topic of discussion for years to come. Arianna Villa. From « Alien: Romulus » to « The Bouncer, » take a look back at some of our favorite posters of 2024.