The Passion Project “Horizon” by Kevin Costner captivates the Cannes audience and promises an epic saga
The expansive Western epic “Horizon: An American Saga” seems to have been a wise gamble for Kevin Costner. Following a rousing seven-minute standing ovation from the crowd, the movie allegedly moved Costner to tears as it debuted at the 77th annual Cannes Film Festival on May 19, 2024.
It wasn’t simply Costner who displayed an emotional reaction. He starred in, co-wrote, and directed the film, which is reportedly a four-part saga that follows the settlement of the American West. The thunderous acclaim and chanting of “Kevin! Kevin! Kevin!” that followed the film demonstrated how well-received this ambitious production was by the Cannes crowd.
During his acceptance speech, an emotional Costner thanked the audience. When he reportedly added, “I’m sorry you had to clap that long for me to understand that I should speak,” the audience apparently laughed. Continuing, Costner acknowledged the difficulties and the team’s commitment, saying, “Such wonderful guys. A wonderful occasion for me as well as the performers who attended and the individuals who stuck by me because they still believed in me. I’m delighted to have discovered this amusing enterprise. Nothing compares to this site. This is something my children and I will never forget.”
However, the confirmation of a far bigger “Horizon” universe was possibly the biggest piece of news to come out of Costner’s address. According to reports, in order to calm the irate audience, Costner promised “three more” series chapters in addition to the previously revealed sequel, which is scheduled for release in August 2024. It remains to be seen if this audacious idea will be successful both critically and commercially.
“Horizon” has had a mixed response thus far. Although the film’s scale and ambition were lauded by certain media, such as Variety, who called it an “absorbing” experience, others felt that its length and plot were awkward. It was called a “sprawling Western with No End In Sight” by The Hollywood Reporter, for instance.
It is obvious that Costner put his all into this project—that much is clear. His profoundly moving reaction in Cannes demonstrates his devotion to the narrative and its characters. It will probably take some time to determine whether “Horizon” turns out to be a Western masterpiece or a self-indulgent epic. But one thing is certain: Costner has created a cinematic universe that promises to take viewers back to the American frontier for years to come, and there are three more episodes planned (pun intended).
