The American Southwest
A visually expansive Colorado River journey where wildlife, Indigenous advocacy, and urgent water conservation converge across the American Southwest.
Ember's analysis
- Pacing
- Measured
- Intensity
- Moderate
- Complexity
- Easy to follow
- Violence
- None
- awe-inspiring
- earnest
- educational
- family viewing
- earth day
What critics said
Critics strongly embrace its beautiful wildlife imagery, environmental advocacy, and accessible presentation of the Southwest’s ecological challenges.
What sets it apart
May contain story progression spoilers
Beavers, elk, and rattlesnakes are presented as charming central figures within the Colorado River journey.
The film travels through legendary Southwest landscapes along the Colorado River and emphasizes the region’s expansive terrain.
The documentary links river depletion and wildlife conservation to the need for water management that benefits both society and ecosystems.
Indigenous environmentalist Quannah Chasinghorse narrates the film, which highlights the Southwest’s deep cultural history and conservation needs.
Films like The American Southwest, and why
Planet Earth II
Shares wildlife observation, environmental stewardship, vivid natural landscapes, and accessible documentary storytelling.
The Biggest Little Farm
Shares conservation themes, animal-centered storytelling, and an uplifting appeal for ecological responsibility.
Aquarela
Shares expansive landscape cinematography, water-focused environmental concerns, and contemplative nature-documentary mood.
Movie Details
- Director
- Ben Masters
- Release Date
- 2025-09-05
- Runtime
- 107 min
- Rating
- 9.0 / 10 (1)
Cast
- Quannah Chasinghorse
Common questions
- What is The American Southwest about?
- A visually expansive Colorado River journey where wildlife, Indigenous advocacy, and urgent water conservation converge across the American Southwest.
- What is The American Southwest like to watch?
- Ember's analysis rates the pacing of The American Southwest as measured, its intensity as moderate and its storytelling as easy to follow.
- Is The American Southwest violent?
- No — Ember's analysis finds no violence in The American Southwest.
- What did critics think of The American Southwest?
- Critics strongly embrace its beautiful wildlife imagery, environmental advocacy, and accessible presentation of the Southwest’s ecological challenges.
- Which films are like The American Southwest?
- Films with a similar feel include Planet Earth II, The Biggest Little Farm, and Aquarela.
- How long is The American Southwest?
- The American Southwest runs 107 minutes.
