Dark Winds is a moody and compelling psychological thriller that blends noir-style crime drama with deep cultural resonance. Developed by Graham Roland and executive produced by George R.R. Martin and Robert Redford, the series is based on the iconic Leaphorn & Chee novels by Tony Hillerman. It premiered in 2022 on AMC and AMC+.
Set in the 1970s on a remote outpost of the Navajo Nation near Monument Valley, the show follows Tribal Police Lieutenant Joe Leaphorn (played by Zahn McClarnon) and his new deputy Jim Chee (Kiowa Gordon) as they investigate a series of crimes that reveal unsettling ties to both the spiritual and real-world complexities of reservation life.
Each case the duo takes on blends traditional crime-solving with Indigenous beliefs, supernatural elements, and cultural tensions—making Dark Winds more than just a procedural. It’s an exploration of identity, colonization, spiritual legacy, and justice in a world outsiders rarely understand.
Zahn McClarnon delivers a quietly powerful performance as Leaphorn—stoic, methodical, and haunted by personal loss.
Kiowa Gordon provides a compelling counterbalance as Chee, a conflicted young officer caught between his FBI past and his Navajo roots.
The supporting cast, including Jessica Matten and Deanna Allison, adds richness to the world, grounding the story in familial and communal dynamics.
The show is visually stunning—its wide desert landscapes and stark, sun-bleached scenery create a haunting backdrop that echoes the internal and external conflicts at play. The storytelling is slow-burning but deliberate, immersing you in a world where silence, intuition, and tradition speak as loudly as any action.
What makes Dark Winds particularly special is its respectful and authentic depiction of Indigenous culture.
With Native American writers, directors, and cast members involved in its production, the series avoids tropes and stereotypes, offering instead a textured, lived-in portrait of Navajo life.
Dark Winds is a tense, intelligent crime drama that’s as thoughtful as it is thrilling. It’s perfect for fans of atmospheric mysteries like True Detective—but with a fresh cultural lens that gives it a unique voice all its own. If you’re looking for something gritty, grounded, and quietly powerful, this one is not to be missed.
