'The Death of Robin Hood' strips legend to its core

Michael Sarnoski's "The Death of Robin Hood" reimagines the legendary outlaw not as a heroic figure, but as a brutal marauder haunted by his violent past. The film opens with a shocking act of violence, immediately dispelling any notions of chivalry or adventure associated with the Robin Hood myth. This starkly realistic approach, which director Sarnoski also employed in "Pig," aims to bring a primal authenticity to the folk hero, drawing inspiration from the darker, more fragmented oral traditions and early ballads that predate the romanticized versions.

“

Oo-de-lally, oo-de-lally, golly what a day.

Hugh Jackman portrays a grizzled, bearded Robin who appears burdened by the mythology surrounding him, dismissing rumors as "lies upon lies." The film deliberately eschews the familiar tropes of knights, merry men, and swashbuckling, instead immersing the audience in a muddy, mean-spirited world. Even companions like Little John are depicted with a grim pragmatism, as seen when he beats a man to death for bread, highlighting the vast disparity between the legend and the harsh reality the film presents.

“

The Death of Robin Hood drains the blood, and life, out of an old English legend.

"The Death of Robin Hood" is noted for its compelling ideas about the nature of storytelling and its thoughtful inversion of the myth. Cinematographer Patrick Scola captures the rugged beauty of the Northern Ireland landscapes, providing a visually striking backdrop for the bleak narrative. However, critics argue that the film expends too much energy emphasizing its revisionist approach, making the first half a "tiresome" experience. Despite Jackman's impactful performance and the film's ambitious deconstruction of the legend, it is ultimately described as a "total slog" that drains the life and blood out of the beloved English tale.

“

This is to a purpose in Sarnoski’s film, which, like Robert Eggers’ “The Northman” and David Lowery’s “The Green Knight,” brings a primal realism to an old legend.