Dark Winds, AMC’s 2022 psychological crime thriller based on Tony Hillerman’s Leaphorn & Chee novels, is a masterclass in slow-burn tension, cultural authenticity, and stunning Southwestern noir. Set in 1971 on a Navajo reservation, the series follows tribal police officers Joe Leaphorn (Zahn McClarnon) and Jim Chee (Kiowa Gordon) as they unravel a web of violent crimes, supernatural undercurrents, and government conspiracies.
A Fresh Take on the Crime Procedural
Unlike typical detective shows, Dark Winds weaves Navajo spirituality, historical trauma, and the clash between tradition and modernity into its central mystery. The six-episode first season centers on a double homicide linked to an armored truck robbery, but the real intrigue lies in the personal demons haunting Leaphorn—a stoic, world-weary investigator—and Chee, a younger officer torn between his duty and his people’s mistrust of outside law enforcement.
The series avoids clichés by making the landscape itself a character: the vast deserts, whispering winds, and eerie silences create an atmosphere thick with unease. Supernatural elements (visions, omens, and taboos) are treated with reverence, blurring the line between crime thriller and folk horror.
Zahn McClarnon’s Commanding Performance
McClarnon (Reservation Dogs, Fargo) delivers a career-best performance as Leaphorn, portraying him as a man burdened by grief (his son’s death looms large) but unwavering in his pursuit of justice. His quiet intensity anchors the show, making even the smallest gestures—a lingering glance, a tightened jaw—feel loaded with meaning.
Kiowa Gordon (The Twilight Saga) holds his own as Chee, balancing idealism with frustration. The dynamic between the two leads evolves beautifully, avoiding the tired “gruff mentor/rookie” trope in favor of something more nuanced. Supporting standouts include Jessica Matten as the fierce Deputy Bernadette Manuelito and Noah Emmerich as an unsettling FBI agent with ulterior motives.
Stylistic Brilliance & Cultural Depth
Director Chris Eyre (Smoke Signals) and executive producer Robert Redford ensure Dark Winds avoids exploitation, instead offering a rare authentic portrayal of Navajo life. The dialogue seamlessly blends English and Diné (Navajo), and the production consulted closely with tribal advisors. The result is a show that feels immersive, not voyeuristic.
Cinematographer M. David Mullen (The Marvelous Mrs. Maisel) paints the Southwest in stark contrasts—blazing sunsets, inky-black nights—while composer Mark Orton’s haunting score blends traditional Native flute with sparse, ominous strings.
A Few Minor Shortcomings
The pacing may frustrate viewers craving action; Dark Winds simmers rather than boils, prioritizing mood over shootouts. Some plot threads (particularly the FBI subplot) feel underexplored, likely saved for future seasons.
Final Verdict: One of TV’s Best Hidden Gems
Dark Winds is a triumph—a crime drama that transcends its genre to explore colonialism, identity, and the ghosts of history. With McClarnon’s powerhouse performance, breathtaking visuals, and a story that respects its Indigenous roots, it’s a must-watch for fans of True Detective, Hell or High Water, or Longmire.
Rating: 9/10
Perfect For: Fans of atmospheric neo-noir, Indigenous storytelling, or character-driven mysteries.
Where to Watch: AMC/AMC+
Dark Winds doesn’t just tell a crime story—it exhales it, like smoke from a ceremonial fire. And the scent lingers long after the screen fades to black.
Renewed for Season 2 (premiered 2023), now in development for Season 3
