It has been a long wait for fans of the popular television show "Yellowstone" as they eagerly anticipated a new episode, and the behind-the-scenes drama surrounding the series has been just as intense as the Dutton family dynamics. However, this drama has now led to the expulsion of the show's star, Kevin Costner, leaving fans wondering about the future direction of the show.

Reports suggest that Costner's departure from "Yellowstone" was a result of his eagerness to focus on his ambitious vision for a four-part period Western film series called "Horizon." Costner aimed to not only co-write and direct but also star in the epic project, which he eventually planned to partially self-finance. The first film of the series recently premiered nationwide after debuting at the Cannes Film Festival.

Unfortunately, the initial reception of "Horizon" has been far from positive. Critics are calling it a commercial fiasco and a complete storytelling flop. The film's lack of understanding of what interests audiences is highlighted as a major flaw. Costner's efforts to bring his vision to the big screen are met with disappointment as the final product is described as bland and devoid of the spark that Taylor Sheridan, the mastermind behind "Yellowstone," can conjure in his TV series.

The disappointment surrounding "Horizon" is further evident in the audience's response. During a preview screening of the film, various individuals, supposedly fans of Costner, "Yellowstone," or Westerns in general, left the theater one by one, leaving only one viewer to witness the film's end. The lackluster turnout reflects the film's failure to captivate its targeted audience.

One of the glaring issues with "Horizon" lies in its attempt to be an epic by attempting to tell the stories of every individual seeking fame and fortune in the post-Civil War West. This results in an overwhelming number of characters introduced throughout the film, making it difficult for audiences to connect or engage with any of them. The storytelling sprawls, and even the intriguing backstories fail to compensate for the overall lack of coherence.

Furthermore, Costner's direction of actors in "Horizon" leaves much to be desired. The performances seem disconnected, with actors instructed to pick accents and cadences on their own, resulting in a lack of authenticity. In contrast, "Yellowstone" showcases the perfect interplay between its leads, displaying a chemistry that is sorely missed in Costner's epic project.

The lack of attention to detail and authenticity is another flaw in "Horizon." The film's costumes, appearance, and styling lack the lived-in authenticity that has made "Yellowstone" a hit. The artifice of "Horizon" undermines the viewer's ability to fully immerse themselves in the Western world it tries to depict.

Aside from its stunning natural backdrops, "Horizon" fails to generate any real dramatic impact. The limited number of action sequences and character deaths do little to compensate for the countless scenes of character introductions. The lack of character development further distances the audience, leaving them disconnected from the film's central storylines.

With a low CinemaScore of B-, it is evident that "Horizon" has been unable to resonate with audiences. This poses a challenge for Costner, as it may affect the prospects of funding the remaining parts of his epic film series. His hopes of securing investments for future installments may require alternative strategies, such as seeking support from the fictional Dutton family's fortune within the world of "Yellowstone."

As "Horizon" struggles to make an impact, fans of Costner and "Yellowstone" are left wondering about the future trajectory of both the series and the actor. Will Part 2 of "Horizon" manage to enthrall audiences and help redeem the unfortunate misstep of the initial film? Only time will tell if Costner can reignite the interest of Western drama enthusiasts and secure the necessary support for the completion of his ambitious vision.