Dark Winds (2022): A Gripping Southwestern Noir Rooted in Culture and Mystery
AMC’s Dark Winds (2022) is a cerebral, atmospheric crime drama that breathes new life into the detective genre by blending indigenous storytelling, psychological suspense, and desert noir aesthetics. Based on the Leaphorn & Chee novel series by celebrated Native American author Tony Hillerman, Dark Winds debuted to critical acclaim in 2022 and quickly distinguished itself from other crime dramas through its unique setting, cultural authenticity, and strong performances.
Set in the Navajo Nation during the early 1970s, Dark Winds follows Lieutenant Joe Leaphorn (played by Zahn McClarnon) and his younger, more enigmatic deputy Jim Chee (Kiowa Gordon) as they investigate a series of crimes that shake their close-knit desert community. What begins with a double homicide and a mysterious bank robbery soon spirals into a layered conspiracy involving federal agents, spiritual visions, and community trauma.
As Leaphorn and Chee dig deeper into the cases, they confront not only professional dangers but also personal demons tied to identity, loss, and faith. The arid, wide-open landscapes of the Southwest serve as a haunting backdrop, filled with both natural beauty and quiet menace.
One of Dark Winds’ most compelling aspects is its authentic representation of Native American culture, particularly the Navajo (Diné) way of life, beliefs, and language. The show explores how tradition and modernity collide in the daily lives of its characters. Supernatural elements—rooted in Navajo mythology—are woven into the plot, blurring the line between spiritual experience and psychological unrest.
The show also tackles broader themes: colonialism, spiritual conflict, and the fractured relationship between Indigenous communities and federal law enforcement. Yet, it avoids heavy-handedness by grounding these ideas in deeply human stories and well-developed characters.
Zahn McClarnon delivers a powerful, nuanced performance as Leaphorn—a seasoned officer haunted by personal loss but driven by duty and cultural pride. McClarnon brings gravitas and quiet emotion to the role, serving as both a guide through the mystery and a reflection of a man at a cultural crossroads.
Kiowa Gordon excels as Jim Chee, a younger officer educated by white institutions but still tethered to his roots. Their evolving mentor-protégé relationship becomes one of the show’s emotional pillars. Supporting performances from Jessica Matten (as Sergeant Bernadette Manuelito) and Deanna Allison (as Emma Leaphorn) further enrich the story with strong female perspectives.
Executive produced by George R.R. Martin and Robert Redford, Dark Winds is directed with style and precision. Directors such as Chris Eyre (a prominent Native filmmaker) bring authenticity and visual artistry, using long takes, shadows, and the vast New Mexico landscape to craft a tone both tense and meditative.
Dark Winds is more than just a detective show—it’s a thoughtful, genre-bending thriller that gives voice to underrepresented communities while delivering gripping, character-driven drama. With strong storytelling, rich cultural layers, and standout performances, the series stands as one of the most unique and important crime dramas of the decade.
As AMC continues to explore this world, Dark Winds proves that sometimes, the darkest truths lie beneath the surface of sacred land—and within ourselves.
