7 Unforgettable Minutes: Netflix’s New Series Features Chilling Scene Inspired by True Events

Warning, spoilers ahead! This article discusses the plot of the first episode of the series At the Dawn of America. If you haven’t seen it yet and don’t want to spoil it, stop reading now.

This series could be seen as Netflix’s antithesis to Yellowstone, and it certainly stands out. Featuring Taylor Kitsch and directed by Peter Berg, At the Dawn of America immerses viewers in the rough, contentious America of the 19th century.

The first episode features a memorable scene at its core, where Sara (played by Betty Gilpin) and her son Devin (Preston Mota) frantically try to survive a fierce attack. Arrows fly, bodies fall, and the camera nearly always stays with the protagonist, heightening the dramatic tension.

Directed by Peter Berg, this scene lasts about seven minutes and took months to prepare. “We wanted the attack to unfold in real time and for the viewer to experience it through Sara’s eyes,” Berg explains to Tudum.

The decision to portray this event in a single-shot sequence was intended to capture the chaos and violence of the era. According to Berg, the intricate choreography of the scene involved about 280 extras and several seamlessly connected shots. This visual approach enhances the emotional impact of the attack and plunges the viewer into the midst of a brutal, visceral conflict.

The Mountain Meadows Massacre, a Historical Turning Point

The attack depicted in the first episode is inspired by the Mountain Meadows Massacre, a tragic chapter in American history that occurred in 1857. In the event, members of the Nauvoo Legion — a Mormon militia led by Brigham Young, portrayed by Kim Coates in the series — attacked a pioneer wagon train. Disguised as members of Native American tribes, the assailants killed over a hundred men, women, and children.

Eric Newman, the executive producer, explains this narrative choice: “This event was a crossroads of several groups — Native nations, the U.S. government, Mormons, and pioneers. It exemplifies the extreme tensions of the time.” For the creators of the series, it was also about showing multiple perspectives, even when they lead to violent acts.

A Faithful Reconstruction Through Extensive Research

To authentically recreate this period, the production team enlisted a variety of consultants: military, historical, and cultural experts. Peter Berg visited key locations, including Fort Bridger and the massacre site, with historians.

Working with Native American specialists also helped accurately recreate costumes, weapons, and encampments from the era. Julie O’Keefe, a cultural consultant for Indigenous peoples, oversaw these efforts to ensure a respectful and precise depiction.

Mark L. Smith, the screenwriter, emphasizes the importance of historical accuracy, even in the dialogue. “Many of Brigham Young’s speeches, for example, use his actual words,” he notes to Tudum. This attention to detail lends the series a depth and authenticity that transports the viewer to the heart of America’s primitive era.

At the Dawn of America is currently available on Netflix.