When a monster becomes legend, how does the man behind the monstrosity cope? Is there redemption for the vilest or is the ledger forever red? These are some of the questions our titular… character must wrestle, because Robin Hood is no hero. He’s a violent man struggling with the choices he made and wanting it to be over, but he will not go gentle into that good night. At his age, The Death of Robin Hood is near, but how and when are to be determined.
Let me first clarify that this film is a drama through and through. Hugh Jackman has carved open his chest and laid every emotion to bear in what may be his greatest attempt to complete the coveted EGOT. While I have often cited range in performances, this picture is the first time this has been as drastic as it is for me. Both the narrative and the performance of Jackman are such a dichotomy from beginning to end that I am still coming to grips with how far it covers thematically and emotionally.
Jodie Comer and Bill Skarsgård perfectly counter Jackman’s Robin for the ends of the spectrum while also serving as emotional growth markers so seamlessly, that it was easy to miss on initial viewing. Every performance and moment to The Death of Robin Hood is significantly layered and carries a necessity demanded by the story.
Michael Sarnoski has proven an expert in this niche of commanding performances amongst a grand scale of the world. This outing is no different, though where A Quiet Place: Day One leaned into suspense, this outing plays more emotional isolationist in its meditation allowing Jackman and Comer to carry the weight of everything through to the hammer of a closing.
The Death of Robin Hood will face a difficult task in financial success, but it’s depth will keep it a memorable and loved picture for many years. Action fans can embrace the start of the journey to appreciate the destination while dramaphiles can take solace in the violence deepening the meaning of the growth exhibited in scenes where entire stories are told without a word being said when the film releases on the nineteenth of June.