It goes without saying that taking on religion in movies or shows is always a bit of a risk. People are deeply attached to their beliefs, and anything that even remotely challenges those beliefs can get their backs up. A small change to a Bible story or the inclusion of something provocative that rubs people the wrong way can quickly blow up into a huge controversy. And that is exactly what Netflix’s recent addition, American Primeval,
a Western that gives a glimpse into the Mormon religion, is going through right now.
American Primeval
is partly inspired by true events. But the weight those events hold has become a major point of contention, especially among religious groups like The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, who have raised their concern.
LDS Church critiques American Primeval for historical inaccuracies
The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints has made its objections known regarding Netflix’s American Primeval
, criticizing the way it portrays historical events and figures. They feel the show paints an unfair and negative picture of its history. This has kicked off a public spat between the Church and the streaming giant. The church is mainly upset about how events in Utah during the mid-1800s are portrayed, along with the stereotypes they believe are “both inaccurate and harmful
.
American Primeval, a limited series from director Peter Berg, is now playing.
Starring Taylor Kitsch, Betty Gilpin, Dane Dehaan, Saura Lightfoot Leon, Derek Hinkey, Kim Coates, Joe Tippett, Jai Courtney, Preston Mota, Shawnee Pourier, and Shea Whigham. pic.twitter.com/yo2M7ZNLLH
— Netflix (@netflix) January 9, 2025
Some historians have also agreed with the LDS Church that parts of the show do not quite add up to what we know about history. But despite all the backlash, audiences have been backing the show from the get-go. In fact, American Primeval
has managed to earn an 87% approval rating on Rotten Tomatoes. Director Peter Berg, who is at the helm of the now-controversial series
, has not been swayed by the criticism either.
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Rather than bowing to the pressure, Berg has defended his choices in changing key events, saying the audience may have misunderstood the approach of the show.
American Primeval director defends his creative choices
Amid the controversy over the historical inaccuracies surrounding American Primeval
, director Peter Berg sat down for an interview with The Hollywood Reporter. Berg admitted that the show is not meant to be a straight-up, factual retelling, pointing out that even the duration of the massacre shown was different from what really happened. But he made it clear, “We never said we’re making a documentary and that it’s all based 100 percent on fact”.
This is America, 1857.
Taylor Kitsch and Betty Gilpin star in American Primeval, a gripping new limited series from director Peter Berg. Coming January 9. pic.twitter.com/kwQVh04tYq
— Netflix (@netflix) December 24, 2024
While Berg acknowledged that there may be some real inaccuracies in American Primeval, he argued that they are very minor in the grand scheme of things. This whole situation brings up the age-old debate of how much room should filmmakers have to play around with history when telling a story. Is it okay for fiction to take some creative liberties, even if it bends a few facts, or when real people and events are involved, does there need to be more of a responsibility to stick to the truth?
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What do you think about this controversy? Let us know your thoughts in the comments below!
