By Peter de Kuster

Introduction: The Frontier as a Mirror

American Premeval (as depicted in “Horizon: An American Saga – Chapter 1”) is more than a sweeping Western epic—it’s a meditation on survival, identity, and the forging of new worlds in times of chaos. Set against the backdrop of pre- and post-Civil War America, the film weaves together the stories of settlers, Native Americans, and outcasts, each facing the unknown with courage and fear. For creative leaders, this journey is a powerful reminder: you are the storyteller of your own life. In the wilderness of change, will you create your legend—or let the world define you?

Plot Summary: Lives Intertwined on the Edge of Civilization

The story unfolds in the American West, where settlers and Native tribes clash over land, survival, and destiny. In 1859, the town of Horizon is founded amid violence—surveyors are killed by an Apache war band, setting the tone for years of conflict. Frances Kittredge loses her husband and son in a raid, forcing her and her daughter to seek refuge at a military camp. Orphaned boy Russell joins a posse bent on revenge, blurring the line between justice and brutality.

Meanwhile, Lucy flees a violent past, assuming a new identity and seeking safety for her son. Her journey is fraught with betrayal and loss, as she is hunted by the Sykes brothers and forced to rely on strangers. A wagon train led by Matthew Van Weyden faces its own trials, watched by Pawnee warriors and threatened by internal discord. Throughout, the film explores the devastating consequences of vengeance, the moral ambiguity of frontier justice, and the fragile hope of coexistence.

The Hero’s Journey and 12 Archetypes in American Premeval

Let’s walk through the journey—and reflect on your own leadership story at each phase.

1. Ordinary World (The Everyman)

Characters begin in familiar roles: settlers, soldiers, mothers, children.
Reflection: Where are you comfortable, perhaps unaware that change is coming?

2. Call to Adventure (The Explorer)

Violence and upheaval shatter routines—loved ones lost, homes destroyed.
Reflection: What challenge or disruption is calling you to step up as a leader?

3. Refusal of the Call (The Orphan)

Fear, grief, and uncertainty cause hesitation; some seek safety, others revenge.
Reflection: When have you doubted your strength to face the unknown?

4. Meeting the Mentor (The Sage)

Guidance comes from unlikely places: military leaders, elders, fellow survivors.
Reflection: Who are your mentors? Do you listen to wisdom from unexpected sources?

5. Crossing the Threshold (The Rebel)

Characters commit to new paths—joining posses, fleeing into the wilderness, or defending their tribe.
Reflection: When have you taken a bold step, leaving the familiar behind for a higher purpose?

6. Tests, Allies, Enemies (The Warrior, The Trickster, The Lover)

Alliances form and break; loyalties are tested; enemies are not always who they seem.
Reflection: Who stands with you in crisis? How do you handle betrayal or shifting allegiances?

7. Approach to the Inmost Cave (The Creator)

Plans are made for survival, revenge, or escape—each fraught with risk and uncertainty.
Reflection: What creative solutions are you forging in the face of adversity?

8. Ordeal (The Hero)

Characters face their darkest moments: violence, loss, and moral compromise.
Reflection: How do you respond when your values are tested to the limit?

9. Reward (The Ruler)

Survivors gain hard-won insights or safety, but often at great personal cost.
Reflection: What have you gained—and what have you sacrificed—on your journey?

10. The Road Back (The Caregiver)

The aftermath: healing wounds, caring for others, and rebuilding what was lost.
Reflection: How do you nurture yourself and your community after crisis?

11. Resurrection (The Magician)

Transformation occurs—characters emerge changed, with new understanding or resolve.
Reflection: How have your challenges transformed you as a leader?

12. Return with the Elixir (The Sage)

Those who survive bring back lessons—about coexistence, resilience, and the cost of progress.
Reflection: What wisdom will you share with others? How will your story inspire change?

Conclusion: The Legend You Forge

American Premeval is a tapestry of struggle, hope, and transformation. Its characters remind us that legends are not born—they are forged in adversity, shaped by the choices we make when the world is at its wildest. As creative leaders, you have the power to write your own story. Will you become the hero of your journey, or let others define your fate?

Questions to Take Away

• Where are you in your own hero’s journey?
• Which archetype do you most embody—and which do you need to develop?
• What risks are you willing to take for your values and your vision?
• How do you handle conflict, loss, and uncertainty?
• What story do you want to tell about your leadership and your legacy?

Story Coaching with Peter de Kuster

Are you ready to become the hero of your own story? My story coaching is designed for creative leaders, entrepreneurs, and professionals who want to transform their narrative and unlock their full potential.

Who is this for?

• Creative professionals and leaders seeking clarity and inspiration
• Anyone ready to move beyond old stories and create a new legend for themselves

Benefits:

• Clarity on your purpose and mission
• Tools to rewrite limiting stories and unlock new possibilities
• A personalized Hero’s Journey map for your life and business
• Greater confidence, creativity, and impact

Price:
One hour online coaching session: €295 (excluding VAT)

Ready to take the next step?
Contact me at peter@wearesomeone.nl

Because your story is your life. And you are the storyteller.