A New Interpretation
Michael Sarnoski’s newest bold take on a famous character is about to be released. Despite technically being part of a popular IP (and starring Hugh Jackman no less), the A24 film is not what you’d expect from the usual summer movie season fare. In The Death of Robin Hood, Hugh Jackman plays an aged Robin of Locksley who admits that his legend has been greatly exaggerated and his past is actually a lot darker.
Early Reactions to The Death of Robin Hood
The Death of Robin Hood recently premiered and the audience has shared their first impressions on social media. First and foremost, we would totally recommend this, “Fans of The Northman and Logan will enjoy A24’s BRUTAL and unique take on Robin Hood. Go see Death of Robin Hood!”
Matt Neglia of Next Best Picture found the film to deliver on its grim promises, “THE DEATH OF ROBIN HOOD lives up to its title as it’s a grim march to an inevitable conclusion for its titular character played with raw intensity, ruggedness, and weathered gravitas by Hugh Jackman. Bleak even by Michael Sarnoski’s standards, the first third is brutal, muddy, and action-heavy while the remaining two thirds are a somber character study that deconstructs the Robin Hood myth to show us how one man chooses to face his mortality. Could’ve used more Bill Skarsgård because when he’s on screen, he’s so captivating. Same for Jodie Comer, who I feel could do this kind of role in her sleep. The exceptional cinematography, score, makeup, production and costume design all create a world far removed from any traditional Robin Hood adaptation. And while I admire its attempt to subvert expectations and deliver something more profound, I can’t help but feel like the story is still missing something to make it even more impactful.”
Courtney Howard of Variety sings high praises for the film, saying, “Michael Sarnoski’s #TheDeathOfRobinHood RIPS!Bold & brutal, this is a kinetic, brilliant new generational legend and a profound rumination on mortality. Hugh Jackman, Jodie Comer & Bill Skarsgård are unassailably exceptional. Pat Scola’s cinematography, exhilarative & painterly”
Junior Felix of The Hollywood Show hails The Death of Robin Hood as one of the year’s best films, “Michael Sarnoski’s #TheDeathOfRobinHood is Ferociously EPIC!! It’s hauntingly visceral & super transfixing. Led by a SUPERB cast, Gorgeous cinematography, and breathtakingly vicious action sequences, this is hands down one of the years best!”
Darren Movie Reviews says the movie has more in common with James Mangold’s Logan than you may expect, “Balancing a brutal rage and reflectiveness in a character driven drama, The Death of Robin Hood is the atmospheric and eerily haunting A24 approach to the famed outlaw. It’s a purposeful, somber and character driven story that reconciles the legend with the violence committed by Robin Hood, forgoing the traditional action film audiences are used to with this character that shares more similarities to James Mangold’s Logan than you would expect. Hugh Jackman is excellent as always, giving a strong, silent yet powerful performance as Robin Hood, while the supporting cast of Jodie Comer, Murray Bartlett, Bill Skarsgård, Noah Jupe and Faith Delaney never miss a beat. Michael Sarnoski accomplishes what he sets out to do with a tenderness that hits the right emotional notes, delivering a thematically rewarding film, even if it its pacing and gloomy atmosphere makes it a true downer”
Nick van Dinther of Bite Size Break said that the film had its moments, but didn’t work for him overall, “Although THE DEATH OF ROBIN HOOD has its moments, it was a long and arduous watch. Some solid performances aren’t able to make up for the vague and disconnected story. This one just didn’t work for me.”
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