Netflix has unleashed a new epic into its streaming stable with the arrival of 'The Abandons', a gritty Western drama that has quickly garnered critical acclaim. Set against the harsh backdrop of the 1850s American frontier, the series delves into the brutal conflicts between outlaw factions fighting for survival and dominion.
The Heart of the Story: A Family Forged, Not Born
The narrative centres on Fiona Nolan, a deeply religious Irish woman portrayed by Lena Headey. Unable to bear children of her own, Fiona builds her family by adopting four orphans. Her hard-won peace is shattered when the powerful Van Ness family, aristocratic claimants to her Oregon homestead, threatens everything she has built. Fiona's ferocious defence of her new family raises questions about her motives and the true nature of her protection.
Meet the Nolan Family: The Core Cast
Leading the ensemble is Lena Headey, the 52-year-old British actress globally renowned for her iconic role as Cersei Lannister in Game of Thrones. Her formidable filmography also includes 300 and The Brothers Grimm, and she previously starred as Sarah Connor in Terminator: The Sarah Connor Chronicles.
Her adopted son, Elias Teller, is played by 30-year-old American actor Nick Robinson. Robinson is best known for his leading role in Love, Simon and his performance in the Netflix series Maid. He also appeared in Jurassic World.
Diana Silvers, the 28-year-old American actress, singer, and model, takes on the role of adopted daughter Dahlia Teller. Audiences may recognise her from the comedy Space Force.
Another adopted child, Albert Mason, is portrayed by Canadian actor and dancer Lamar Johnson. Johnson is known for his role in The Next Step and has appeared in The Hate U Give and HBO's The Last of Us.
Completing the family unit is Lilla Belle, played by 24-year-old American actress Natalia del Riego, who previously featured in Promised Land and NCIS: Los Angeles.
The Antagonists: The Van Ness Dynasty
Opposing Fiona is the formidable matriarch Constance Van Ness, brought to life by award-winning American actress Gillian Anderson, 57. Anderson is eternally famous for her role as Dana Scully in The X-Files, with celebrated turns in The Fall, Sex Education, and as Margaret Thatcher in The Crown.
Her on-screen daughter, Trisha Van Ness, is played by 32-year-old Irish actress Aisling Franciosi, who earned critical praise for her lead role in The Nightingale and also starred alongside Anderson in The Fall.
Playing Constance's son, Garret Van Ness, is 35-year-old American actor Lucas Till, recognised for his role as Havok in the X-Men film series and as the lead in the MacGyver reboot.
A Deep Bench of Guest Stars
'The Abandons' boasts an exceptionally deep roster of recurring and guest talent. The supporting cast includes notable names such as Clayton Cardenas, Marc Menchaca (Headey's real-life husband), Patton Oswalt, and Brían F. O'Byrne.
Further appearances come from Ryan Hurst, Michael Greyeyes, Michiel Huisman, and Elle-Máijá Tailfeathers, among many others, ensuring each episode is rich with compelling characters.
The series, which promises a potent mix of family drama and frontier violence, is available to stream in full on Netflix now.
