The Death of Robin Hood

One of the most portrayed and known forms of old English folklore has been that of Robin Hood. There has been produced a plethora of books, stories, films, TV and even plays about this pivotal English character. Whereas the other translations have always been the good Robin Hood steals from the rich and gives it to the poor, has been rewritten as Hood being murderous in this next story of the titular character in "The Death of Rood Hood".

This is a revisionist thriller starring Hugh Jackman as an aged, weary and grim murderous Robin Hood who, after being gravely wounded after a battle that he assumed he wouldn't survive, takes refuge in a priory and is nursed back to health by Sister Brigid (Jodie Comer). The film deconstructs the legend, portraying Robin as a violent outlaw seeking redemption as he confronts his past deeds, with the priory community challenging his brutal identity. It's a dark, slow-burn take on the myth, inspired by the 17th-century ballad Robin Hood's Death.

Others to round out the cast are Bill Skarsgard as Edward, Katie Breen as Marharet, Noah Jupe as Arthur, Jade Croot as Wainwright, Richie Wilson as Godwyn senior, Murray Bartlett as the Leper and Alfie Lawless as Hendrie. 

This was directed with such intensity, suspense and grit by Michael Sarnoski ("Pig" '21, "A Quiet Place: Day One" '24) plus TV and shorts. This was set in the year 1247 Ireland and if this was any indication of how life was back then, it must have been grueling on a good day. This filmmaker gave his audience the feeling of this time and place like it was a living hell on earth, through his sequencing, and his use of the angel shots taken by cinematographer Pat Scola asc. The darkness of the photography added to that foreboding approach. He doesn't have a ton of feature film experience, but will undoubtedly receive more work. It was also effectively written by Michael Sarnoski (" Pig" '21, "A Quiet Place: Day One" '24) plus TV and shorts. Where Sarnoski excelled with the directing, the writing needed a bit more polish. First of all, there were a few places of inconsistencies and secondly, it was a bit long-in-the-tooth. For a film that spanned a two-hour running time, it actually could've been cut about ten minutes less and not lose any impact this film was striving to convey. Was this a wash? Certainly not. Not to spoil the ending, however this does end bittersweetly which was penned with such pathos and compassion.

Surely, if you like the Robin Hood legend, this will be intriguing since it flips the reputation of Hood upside down. The acting by both Hugh Jackman and Jodie Comer were powerful and gripping and their chemistry was believable and strong. Just a little warning--this is rated R for a reason since the violence is a bit excessive.

Out of 4 Stars: 2.5                                      Rated: R                                         122mins.