Michael Sarnoski's "The Death of Robin Hood" dares to dismantle the heroic myth of Robin Hood, presenting him not as a benevolent outlaw but as a weary and morally ambiguous killer. Set in 1247 AD, the film's first half is a brutal, violent affair, depicting Robin as a lone-wolf nomad, far removed from any "merry men." Hugh Jackman, sporting a Gandalf-esque beard, embodies this battle-worn version, whose past is filled with crime rather than charitable acts. The narrative follows Robin as he grapples with the "lie he's been living" and seeks a "right death" after years of war and pillaging, but not before being drawn into one final conflict by a weathered Little John (Bill Skarsgård).
The film undergoes a significant atmospheric shift after Robin is badly wounded in battle. He awakens in a serene priory, under the care of Sister Brigid (Jodie Comer), a compassionate woman who tends to the broken and unsheltered. This second half becomes a more introspective and meditative journey, focusing on Robin's internal struggle for redemption. He reflects on his past deeds, forms a platonic bond with Brigid, and even a friendship with a leper (Murray Bartlett), learning to re-engage with humanity after a life of violence. This intimate character study explores the possibility of finding peace and understanding in one's dying days.
Reviews praise Jackman's performance as one of his career best, showcasing his ability to disappear into a complex role that demands a deep dive into humanity's darker aspects before seeking a path to empathy. The film, distributed by A24 and rated R for strong bloody violence, has a runtime of 2 hours and 3 minutes. Directed by Michael Sarnoski, known for "Pig" and "A Quiet Place: Day One," the movie effectively merges indie sensibilities with a story typically reserved for blockbusters, offering a complex, conflicted, and morally ambiguous Robin Hood for a contemporary audience.
