There have been a litany of interpretations of Robin Hood on the big screen, but writer/director Michael Sarnoski aims to stand out from the immensely crowded pack with The Death of Robin Hood. Fortunately, his tale of the beloved anti-hero gives audiences a fresh new take on the character, one that will linger far after when the credits begin to roll.
The Death of Robin Hood centers on the revered archer Robin Hood (Hugh Jackman) who seeks to find the perfect death after a life filled to the brim with crime and murder. After he survives a battle he thought would be his last, he is nursed back to health by a mysterious woman named Sister Brigid (Jodie Comer) who helps give him a shot at salvation in his final days. Comparisons to Logan, which of course also starred Jackman, are going to be inevitable here due to many narrative parallels, but thankfully Sarnoski and this talented cast have crafted a haunting, singular tale that should dissolve any copy and paste allegations.
A Robin Hood film is only as good as the actor that is chosen to pick up the bow and arrow. Fortunately, Sarnoski made the wise choice in casting Jackman who fills the shoes of the character effortlessly. Jackman can channel grizzled ferocity and emotional gravitas like nobody’s business and that is on full display, carrying the weight of the archer’s traumatic, blood-soaked past with every step and mannerism. Through Jackman’s stellar performance, the audience can feel the anguish and emotional torment radiating off of him, oozing from every pore of his weathered physique. However, despite the character’s many shortcomings, Jackman is able to imbue him with enough warmth and pathos, especially as he begins to find peace on this remote island, to allow the audience to become emotionally invested in the fractured anti-hero. It’s not only a terrific performance, but it also happens to be one of the finest of his career thus far.
The supporting performances are also strong here. Comer’s Sister Brigid essentially becomes the beating heart of the film, able to shape Robin’s perspective of the world and more importantly his life into something far more positive and hopeful. Her chemistry with Jackman is also palpable, their budding relationship one of the highlights of the film as the two bring out the very best in one another. Bill Skarsgard is also fantastic as Little John, nearly unrecognizable as Robin’s dear friend of many years. Not only is he able to match Jackman’s fiery, animalistic energy, but is able to match his warmth as well. In his limited amount of screen time, he’s able to give this version of the character a fresh new spin as he further showcases his impressive versatility.
Then there’s Sarnoski’s direction which is strong, thoughtful and assured. Though the film is far from an action movie, the set pieces are wonderfully ferocious, grounded and tactile, allowing the audience to feel as if they’re in the mud and fog with Robin as he faces a flurry of beastly men. The sound design also enhances these sequences substantially, the sound of every thrash of a blade, impact of an arrow and blow of a fist adding a new level of immersion to the experience. The cinematography from Pat Scola is also tremendous, capturing these foggy, remote landscapes with a delightfully old-fashioned and filmic flair. However, it’s Sarnoski’s patience and restraint as a filmmaker that shines here. He’s in no rush to tell his tale, allowing the characters and story ample time to breathe and properly develop. The slower pacing may test some audiences, but it works to the film’s benefit, allowing the viewer to see Robin’s evolution gradually as if they are watching it happen in real time. As a result, his growth as he begins to find peace feels earned, especially as he inches closer to and ultimately reaches his perfect death. Jim Ghedi’s haunting and beautiful score is simply the cherry on top, doing some heavy lifting throughout as it helps in giving the film its emotional oomph.
In terms of flaws, this drama surprisingly has very few. However, there are a handful of scenes that definitely could’ve been trimmed and tightened up to better the pacing and momentum, particularly in the final act of the film which does noticeably drag a bit. There are also some conversations between characters that feel a little too repetitive, echoing sentiments effectively expressed in prior conversations that didn’t need a reprise. Fortunately, the film is strong enough to overcome these minor hurdles, making them feel more like minor grievances than glaring flaws.
4.5 out of 5 Stars
The Death of Robin Hood manages to not only give this beloved character a much-needed facelift, but weave a powerful, emotionally potent story of pain, loss, regret and salvation that is as heartbreaking as it is achingly hopeful. This is a film that aspires to not only deconstruct the legend, but the man behind the legend and manages to do both deftly and gracefully. To put it simply, this tale of the iconic archer hits like a sharp, visceral arrow straight to the heart.
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