Who plays Kevin Costner's daughter in Yellowstone? Explained

Yellowstone season 5 part 2 episode 14 premiered on Sunday, December 15, 2024, at 8 pm ET on Paramount Network. The show, created by Taylor Sheridan, has garnered immense popularity. Kevin Costner, a renowned actor, plays the patriarch of the Dutton family, John Dutton, while Kelly Reilly portrays his on-screen daughter, Beth Dutton.

The show follows the Dutton family, who run the Yellowstone Ranch, the largest contiguous ranch in the US, in Montana's harsh landscapes. The story tackles complex issues like land ownership, power struggles, and family loyalty. Beth Dutton, a series protagonist, defends her family and legacy at all costs.

Yellowstone season 5 follows the Dutton family's internal and external struggles. The series begins with Montana Governor John Dutton balancing his political duties with his family's ranching legacy. His daughter Beth, who uses her wit and brutality to defend the family, is crucial to these conflicts.

The tragic death of Kevin Costner's character, John Dutton, changes the Dutton family dynamics and elevates Beth's role.

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Kelly Reilly plays Beth Dutton, Kevin Costner's daughter in Yellowstone

Kelly Reilly's Bethany Dutton-Wheeler, also known as Beth Dutton, is one of Yellowstone's most complex and intense characters. Beth, the only daughter of Kevin Costner's John Dutton, loves her family and is loyal to the Dutton legacy.

On the other hand, her love often shows up as a tough, no-nonsense attitude, which makes her a dangerous ally and a relentless enemy. Throughout the show, Beth is reliable her family's personal and professional fights. She will do anything to protect their land and ranching empire.

Born to John and Evelyn Dutton, Beth Dutton grew up on Montana's Yellowstone Ranch. She was raised in a harsh ranching environment as the only daughter, making her fierce and independent. Her childhood was a mix of good and difficult times, especially after her mother Evelyn died when she was young. Her upbringing was shaped by her complicated relationships with her dad, John, and brothers—Jamie and Kayce.

Beth's character changes throughout the seasons, but her complex relationship with her father, John, drives her. Her fierce loyalty to him and their strained relationship shape her. Her tough exterior stems from her trauma and heartbreak. Beth also handles her brothers, especially Jamie Dutton, with whom she has a bitter rivalry.

Beth has been seeing Rip Wheeler for a long time. Later, when John permits, she finally gets married to him. Rip also gets a ring. Previously, he could hardly make a move since he was terrified of being rejected by John.

In season 5, part 2, episode 9, Desire Is All You Need, John Dutton's unexpected death shocks the Dutton family, escalating political and personal tensions. In this episode, directed by series creator Taylor Sheridan, John's death is revealed to be a targeted assassination, not a suicide. The shocking revelation forces the Dutton family to fight their enemies, including themselves.

Beth Dutton rushes to the family ranch to find a crime scene and learn of her father's death. Beth and her brother Kayce (Luke Grimes) are distraught when they discover that John's death was planned. This revelation changes the series by showing that outside forces are actively opposing the Dutton family's control over their land and power.

Sarah (Dawn Olivieri), a manipulative woman who was dating Jamie Dutton (Wes Bentley), planned the assassination. As the perpetrator of John's death, Sarah's betrayal divides the Dutton family, especially Beth and Jamie.

The Duttons and their enemies wage a bloody war in this episode, with Beth and Kayce leading the investigation and fighting for their family's survival.

Beth Dutton in Yellowstone (Image via Paramount Network)

In episode 10, Beth's grief and vengeance drive her explosive confrontation with Jamie, whom she accuses of killing their father. As Beth confronts Jamie, she is furious and vows to punish him.

Despite the emotional turmoil, she begins to imagine a new future for Yellowstone Ranch, inspired by her visit to the Four Sixes Ranch in Texas. Beth wants to modernize the ranch while preserving its values to honor the Dutton legacy and lead the family's future.

In Yellowstone season 5 part 2 episode 11, Three Fifty-Three, John Dutton III's death sets the stage for a Dutton family power struggle. After Kevin Costner's iconic performance as John, the show focuses on his children—Beth, Jamie, and Kayce—and the ranch's unraveling future. The Dutton family struggles with their personal goals and John's death's political repercussions in the episode.

As a leader, Kelly Reilly's Beth Dutton becomes more vital to the family's survival. She shows her tactical and ruthless side as she navigates her tense relationship with her brother Jamie, who has long irked her. Yellowstone leads to a Dutton civil war by the episode's end.

Beth Dutton in Yellowstone (Image via Paramount+)

In Yellowstone season 5 part 2 episode 12, Beth Dutton helps her family cope with John Dutton's death. She helps Kayce seek justice for their father as the Duttons' emotional anchor and has a greater say in decisions.

Beth's determination to preserve the family legacy shows her resilience and intelligence. Beth guides Kayce's vengeance campaign with her ruthlessness to maintain the Dutton family's power and influence despite rising tensions.

Beth Dutton becomes more important when the family struggles financially. She helps Rip prepare for a vital auction of ranch equipment and land to save Yellowstone Ranch.

Beth's strategic mind helps her cope with Colby's death's emotional toll, while her interactions with Kayce reveal deeper family issues. She defends the Dutton legacy at all costs.

In the Yellowstone season 5 finale, Kelly Reilly's Beth Dutton faces crucial decisions after her father John's death. Beth brutally confronts her brother Jamie (Wes Bentley), who is trying to escape the Dutton legacy.

A fight between the siblings ends with Beth and Rip killing Jamie. Later, she vows to punish him for murdering their father. Beth and Rip buy a remote ranch to escape the Dutton ranch's problems. The episode ends with Beth contemplating her past and ready to embrace her future. A new chapter for her and Rip starts beyond the Yellowstone.

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Exploring Kelly Reilly's career

Kelly Reilly has been a successful name in her film and TV career. Her film credits include Mary Watson in Sherlock Holmes (2009) and Flight (2012).

Reilly's career spans over two decades, and she's become famous since Yellowstone season 5. During her career, Kelly Reilly has won a lot of important awards. She won the Best Newcomer Award for Russian Dolls at the Cannes Film Festival in 2005. She also won the Empire Award for Best Newcomer in 2006 for Mrs. Henderson Presents.

She won the Spotlight Award at the Hollywood Film Festival in 2012 for her part in Flight.

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Yellowstone season 5 is available to stream on Paramount Network.