A Western and a Drama of Our Time
Sometimes you want to see something on screen that feels out of the ordinary, something rare in today’s age of blockbusters and all kinds of dramas. For me, one such project turned out to be "Yellowstone" — a series that opens up an entirely new world for the audience. The story takes us deep into the remote corners of the United States, where life follows its own unique rhythm. And it’s truly fascinating to watch.
The series focuses on the large Dutton family, where each member is in one way or another a charismatic and memorable figure. The head of the family is brilliantly portrayed by Kevin Costner. Personally, I’ve seen him in recent years as Jonathan Kent, Superman’s father in Man of Steel. That role fit him so perfectly that it felt like he really became a simple farmer with an open heart. But in Yellowstone, Costner completely transforms. Here he’s someone else entirely: powerful, dangerous, often fair, yet deeply contradictory. His John Dutton is a complex and conflicted man, but very much alive, and it’s captivating to follow his story through the seasons.
Other cast members are no less impressive. I especially remember Dutton’s daughter Beth, played by Kelly Reilly. It’s a defining role for her. She combines a unique femininity with a steel-hard character. Reilly brings out Beth as a true devotee of the Dutton family’s traditions and values, just as her father raised her to be.
The other characters and their arcs are also strong. I’d highlight the work of Luke Grimes, Wes Bentley, Kelsey Asbille, Forrie J. Smith, and Ian Bohen. Their characters are memorable thanks to well-crafted writing, and their stories are skillfully woven into the overall fabric of the show. I must also mention Rip Wheeler, played by Cole Hauser. I remembered him well from 2 Fast 2 Furious and Pitch Black, where his characters stood out with their piercing looks. In Yellowstone, at first I didn’t even recognize him — the beard does its work — until I noticed his name in the credits. But what really matters is how phenomenal he is in this role. His character radiates both calm and strength, yet also animalistic danger and rage. A brilliant combination that gives us an unforgettable presence.
Visually, the series is stunning. Endless landscapes, beautiful shots — the creators perfectly captured the spirit of these places, which for me became a discovery in themselves. It feels like the land lives by its own rules, far away from noisy cities. That’s what creates such a fascinating world where anything seems possible. At times, though, the situations verge on unrealistic. The crime depicted in the series often feels exaggerated, and some events seem like they should draw far more attention from the authorities. Sometimes it feels like lawlessness reigns in those parts, with characters practically waging small-scale wars. But I think that’s a narrative choice, and it keeps the story gripping.
"Yellowstone" balances hard-hitting action with moments of poignant drama. The characters are exceptionally well-written, and it’s truly engaging to watch them — whether you sympathize, despise, or root for their downfall. The show depicts very different sides of life, but at its core it teaches something simple yet vital: how to be a family, hold on to your loved ones, and care for those close to you. Sometimes the conflicts between parents and children are painfully sharp, but watching them play out is endlessly compelling.
8 out of 10