The Death of Robin Hood

The Death of Robin Hood
Starring Hugh Jackman, Jodie Comer, Bill Skarsgard, Faith Delaney
Directed by Michael Sarnoski

Americans in particular know the tale of Robin Hood: an antihero who robs from the rich and gives to the poor, the leader of his jovial Merry Men, living in Sherwood Forrest and going against the tyrannical Sheriff of Nottingham. There's been numerous movies that focus on this legend, and most of them aren't that good - the last one being the Taron Egerton-led "Robin Hood" in 2018 that was a box office and critical bomb. It seems that all the stories have been told, and no one really cared about the hero that's existed in English literature since 1377. However, what if everything we know about Robin Hood was a lie? "Pig" and "A Quiet Place: Day One" director Michael Sarnoski wrote his own story about Robin Hood - based on an anonymous writer's work Robin Hood's Death written sometime in the 17th Century, and this movie sheds any sort of heroism but shows Robin Hood in his final days regretting the bloody mistakes of his past while trying to atone for the countless lives he took.

When Little John (Bill Skarsgard) tells his friend Robin Hood (Hugh Jackman) that his farm has been overtaken, the two friends embark on a blood-soaked rampage to get it back, but in the end Little John's wife is murdered, and the family they attacked return later to wreak their own vengeance, leaving Robin Hood gravely injured, although they do manage to save Little John's daughter, Little Margaret (Faith Delaney). Robin is taken to a small island where he's tended to by Sister Brigid (Jodie Comer), the prioress of the nunnery on the island, and he hides his identity by changing his name, not wanting anyone to know of his bloody legend since he's been hunted down by vengeful kin of the countless people he's murdered throughout the years. As he recuperates on the island, he and Brigid grow closer, and befriends local leper (Murray Bartlett) as he trains young Margaret in archery and fighting, all the while knowing his own end is coming, and having to struggle with the sins of his past.

Those going into "The Death of Robin Hood" thinking it'll be another swashbuckling epic are soon dismayed to learn that this is in fact a rich character study on the man behind the legend, who proves himself more villain than hero. Although the film's opening sequence is filled with bloodshed and violence, the rest of the movie is a meditative take on Robin's own thoughts and regrets, as well as his worry that his identity will be revealed and his enemies will come for him - although, in a way, he also welcomes it. He's a tortured soul who tortured others, and never thinks of himself more highly than that. 

The entirety of the film is shot with this beautiful hue of grey and blue, giving the sense of regret and a life not well lived that further encapsulates Robin Hood's own internal struggle. There's not a lot of bright, sunny days, and especially through his eyes. The music is an orchestra of Irish hymns that gives the haunting feel of ghosts that've haunted Robin Hood all his adult life, echoing through the fog-filled hills of the Irish land. The cinematography is stoic and contemplative. The setting is a version of purgatory for Robin Hood, where he can atone for his past sins before ascending to the next life. Everything about this film is crafted with the mindset that Robin Hood isn't a folk hero, but a flawed man that knows exactly what he is.

While the supporting cast is exceptional in their work, this is a Hugh Jackman vehicle through and through. He's proven himself to be a chameleon when it comes to movies and excelling in all of them. Whether he's playing a comic book superhero, a song-and-dance man, or a mild-mannered sheep herder who reads mystery novels to his sheep, he fully commits to the bit and delivers compelling, multi-layered performances. This is no different, and dare I say it's one of his best - essentially, this is "Logan" told with Robin Hood, two men at the end of their lives living with their past regrets, and mentoring a young girl in the process. There cannot be enough praise given to Jackman for his performance, giving a fresh, new take of the hero we thought we knew, and understanding the true cost of redemption. 

The Score: A+