The Green Knight

We've seen many films about King Arthur and the Knights of the round table and they are typically portrayed in a traditional format, however "The Green Knight" was quirky, very different and gives a whole new spin on that genre. One of the reasons is that it primarily centers on one character making a trek through rough territory to find the elusive Green Knight.

An epic fantasy adventure based on the Arthurian legend, this tale tells the story of Sir Gawain (Dev Patel), King Arthur's (Sean Harris) reckless and headstrong nephew, who embarks on a daring quest to confront the eponymous Green Knight (Ralph Ineson), a giant emerald-skinned stranger and tester of men. Gawain contends with ghosts, giants, thieves and schemers in what becomes a deeper journey to define his character and prove his worth in the eyes of his family and kingdom by facing the ultimate challenger. This is a bold spin on the classic tale from the Knights of the round table. During his quest he encounters many odd characters, including Essel (Alicia Vikander), a Lord (Joel Edgerton), a scavenger (Barry Keoghan) and others. 

Others to round out the cast are Sarita Choudhury as Mother, Kate Dickie as Queen, Erin Kellyman as Winifred, Donncha Crowley as Bishop, Emilie Hetland as First Thief and Anthony Morris as Second Thief.

This was intensely directed with grit by David Lowery ("Deadroom" '05, "St. Nick" '09, "Ain't Them Bodies Saints" '13, "Pete's Dragon" '16, "A Ghost Story" '17, "The Old Man & the Gun" '18, "The Year of the Everlasting Storm" (segment: "Dig Up My Darling") '21) plus TV and shorts. Even though this filmmaker has certainly tackled his share of commercial films, he usually gravitates toward independent films, including this one. Whatever the genre, Lowery knows how to place his actors at the right spot to emit that element of emotion that clearly makes any given scene that expertise that he can do so well. If this talented director is to your liking, his "Peter Pan & Wendy" is in post production for a 2022 release. This film was also quirkily written by Lowery ("It Was Great, But I Was Ready to Come Home" '09, "Pit Stop" '13, "The Yellow Birds" '17, plus the above resume) plus TV and shorts. Where he excelled with the directing, the script was a bit disjointed in places and was a bit long-in-the-tooth--it could've been approximately 10 minutes less in running time. Overall, the screenplay was expertly executed in its sequential story, but there were a couple of small places of choppiness, otherwise this was spot on. If you are a fan of Lowery's, unless you've already seen it, watch his "Ain't Them Bodies Saints". It was incredibly well written, directed and acted, especially by Casey Affleck. He also writes the upcoming "Peter Pan & Wendy" as well. 

As independent films go, this is the quintessential one replete with quirkiness, oddness, and fine acting with amazing production values. If you like Dev Patel's acting, like I do, this will please. He gives his all in all the films he puts his stamp on, and Lowery's direction could see an Oscar nod.

Out of 4 Stars: 3.5                                          Rated: R                                                       129mins.