Review: The Death of Robin Hood “Feels as draining as Robin’s own journey.”

When you think of Robin Hood, you immediately envision a heroic figure donning a bow and arrow, stealing from the rich to give to the poor (and also a fox).

Robin Hood is a classic tale of an outlaw who helps those in need. In this latest adaptation, writer and director Michael Sarnoski reimagines the legendary story through a much darker, more realistic lens, though the results are a mixed bag. While the film’s attempt to ground the myth in gritty realism is an interesting choice, it often favors gore and somber moments over meaningful storytelling.

In all actuality, the idea is interesting. A realistic take on a famous myth. What if Robin Hood were rooted in this world? How many enemies would he have made in his attempt to help people, and in turn, how many could he have hurt? What would those consequences be?

Hugh Jackman dons the theoretical hood as a much, much older version of the legend. He’s a curmudgeon of a man, who still fights and hunts well, but who has alienated everyone except for his best friend, Little John (Bill Skarsgård). The two are being hunted for their crimes, which leads to Robin suffering a grave injury. He’s brought to a special island where Sister Brigid (Jodie Comer) helps to heal the unhealable. There, he must face the realities of his crimes and learn to let go.

The performances by Skarsgård and Comer are absolutely phenomenal. Both completely transform into the world. Jackman is good, but his faltering accent blurs the line between him and his character.

The film’s pacing is definitely on the slower side, and at times it can feel as draining as Robin’s own journey. The focus on graphic violence and prolonged scenes of suffering often comes at the expense of a compelling narrative flow. There are plenty of intriguing ideas beneath the surface, but the film struggles to bring them together in a satisfying way, leaving many of its best concepts underexplored.

The Death of Robin Hood clearly aspires to be a profound and thought-provoking take on the legend. While it’s not entirely successful, it still has some redeeming qualities. The visuals are genuinely stunning, and the performances, especially from Bill Skarsgård and Jodie Comer, stand out as highlights. Even if the film doesn’t always hit the mark, fans of the cast or those interested in a new spin on Robin Hood might still find something to appreciate.