David Lowery’s elliptical and sensational adaptation of the 14th century epic poem “Sir Gawain & The Green Knight” is not only a true cinematic masterwork, but one of the more invigorating adaptations of classic literature this side of Hamlet. A true imaginative piece of filmmaking that digs deep within the philosophies found in the ancient tale, The Green Knight’s hypnotizing descent into honor and morality feels as timeless as the text that inspired it.
A meticulously rendered odyssey of self-worth and nobility, The Green Knight is the kind of singular vision that only comes around once in a great fortnight. As the nephew to the one-and-only King Arthur (Sean Harris), the cocky, yet eager Gawain (a never better Dev Patel) finds himself thrust in a medieval game of fate as the mysterious Green Knight (voiced by the great Ralph Ineson), a living creature that appears part tree, part demonic entity, arrives for a challenge. The challenge calls for an opponent to attempt to strike down the Knight, with the deal that if struck down, that opponent must come face the Knight one year later with the roles reversed. Having beheaded the Knight will alarming ease, the Knight picks up his own severed head, gives the cryptic warning “one year hence” and rides off cackling into the wind. Gawain, looking for purpose as he’s surrounded by the valor of those before him and filled with the promise of potential doom, makes the long trek to fulfill his end of the bargain.
The Green Knight is more of a deconstruction of the traditional hero’s journey than it is a complete retelling. Gawain’s eagerness to become a legend in his own right leads him down the ultimate path of self-discovery and what it truly means to find purpose in the world. Dev Patel’s irresistible charisma is utilized to the fullest as Gawain also serves as our conduit into the vast, extraordinary world of The Green Knight.
Along the journey, Gawain encounters a host of other creatures that includes ghosts, giants, a trusty fox and other ne’er-do-wellers that will make the already-treacherous journey even more deadly. With each new encounter, Gawain finds himself tested, not only in his strength, but his will, morality and even his sense of purpose. The knight not only exists as the ultimate foe Gawain must vanquish in his quest for honor, but as the beacon to prove himself worthy as a legend that he so desires to become.
It would be too easy to describe writer/director David Lowery’s approach as something along the lines of Tarkovsky meets Excalibur, but that wouldn’t due justice by Lowery’s complex lens. The precisely-detailed nature of Lowery’s vision, one filled with rich mythology, never ceases to amaze. The expansive world that both Lowery, and his exquisite team of technological wizards, creates is the kind of imagination-igniting fever dream that electrifies the senses.
This is a trippy fantasy world that feels as vibrant and lived-in as any classic Hollywood epic. Lowery crafts a sense of grandeur that’s sorely missing from most modern-day blockbusters with quadruple the budget. Lowery’s grand canvass serves as not just a feast for the eyes, but full of meticulously layered imagery that often says more than any line of dialogue could. His blend of dark, haunting visuals that contrasts with rich, luscious beauty is practically incomparable among his contemporaries.
Exploring similar themes to his 2017 singular masterpiece, A Ghost Story, Lowery further contemplates legacy, and what it means to be remembered. As Gawain searches for a larger sense of purpose, Lowery feels like he too is searching for similar answers. If our story is not told 100 years after we’re gone, have we served a meaningful purpose? What does it mean to be remembered if we ourselves don’t recognize our worth? What have we done that seems worthy of remembrance? The Green Knight’s challenging philosophies feel closer to Scorsese’s The Last Temptation of Christ, but with the visual panache of The Lord of the Rings.
Gawain’s compelling journey reaches a turning point in the transcendent climactic chapter that repurposes the journey at hand into something much deeper and moving beyond description.
The Green Knight is not the kind of film that one cannot simply shake. David Lowery gives the classic story new life in a surreal, rousing and challenging new vision that’s as densely layered as it beautiful to behold. While words may only do so much after just one viewing, the overwhelming experience Lowery crafts is one that is sure to leave a lasting legacy.
Few historical eoics rise above being disposable entertainment. This, and Sofia Coppola’s version of Marie Antoinette, are the exceptions. Great visuals. Maybe even a new classic.
Saw it last night and really enjoyed it. I’m still digesting it. This movie stays with you. I would best describe it as: if Marie Antoinette and THE FOUNTAIN had a baby, this movie would be it.
It’s one of the more memorable and enjoyable of the long Middle English poems (not holding my breath for a big-screen treatment of Piers Plowman). Haven’t seen the film, but it sounds like it hews close to the original storyline with small modifications. I honestly didn’t realize until a few days ago that this “Green Knight” film I’d heard people talking about was actually an adaptation of the medieval poem. So now I guess I’m interested. I imagine familiarity with the source will only enhance the viewing experience, which is not always the case with adaptations. (I don’t like chapter headings either, or voiceovers or intrusive scores or excess Steadicam use, but there are always exceptions.)
Sir Gawain and the Green Knight a good read especially Simon Armitage’s recent translation that pops off the page. Any film version would have its work cut out for it in measuring up to that. Not so enthused by Lowery based on A Ghost Story so won’t be making a beeline for this.
I haven’t seen it yet, but one I’m interested i seeing, great review, thanks.
Easily the best movie of the year so far. Absolutely stunning, brilliant acting, and an amazing adaption of the classic story. 10/10.
Really enjoyed The Green Knight. An epic odyssey and rumination on confronting death. Dev Patel deftly carries the weight of the movie with an earnest performance and I thoroughly enjoyed the atmosphere, world building and sound design. The haunting quests and otherworldly oddities stay with you. Can’t wait to pick up whatever slick 4K package A24 puts out!
9/10
I’m a big fan of A24 movies and we saw it last night. It’s a gorgeous movie, but it’s also further out of the mainstream even for A24. It will have appeal, but this is an art house film. If you’re looking for action and a traditional storyline, this movie is not for you.
Love the story telling. I enjoyed it very much. A refreshing break from all the heavy CGI
I read the poem in college and was in high anticipation of the film. I loved it. This was a very good adaptation. I loved the cinematography and music as well. I will definitely watch this again.
I love the Green Knight. I hate all the reviews that basically show people thought it would be an action fantasy and totally missed the point. It was amazing
I wanted to see this again, hopefully today. I was very impressed!
after all the good reviews, want to see this
When will you have Jungle Cruuse review up? Can you please pist my 91 retrospecctive and Stillwater review?
Awesome review, it definitely gave me a new perspective on the film but I surprisingly did not like it! (The Green Knight, I mean). I’m a fan of the original tale but Lowry seemed to detract from the story a little too much to embellish on symbolism that was already beyond me lol Just curious, what did Robert think of it?
Off with your head if you didn’t like it
Great review Noah liked the movie a lot
It was very disorienting. I really enjoyed watching.
Got over my “cinematic torpor” I’ve been kvetching of late & caught “The Green Knight” at the theater. The film is filled with miracles & performed on on me a miraculous feat that I haven’t experienced in 13 years: the first film I’ve walked out on since 2008’s “Be Kind, Rewind “. There were 40 minutes left in this leaden 125 minute behemoth for me to see, but I could endure no more of it. Laughably solemn ( the small crowd that I watched it with derisively laughed at it frequently ), sophomorically pretentious, & worst of all, PROFOUNDLY dull ! Do you give a royal shit about ANYONE in this film ?! I sure as hell didn’t. I’m a sucker for “Knight quest” movies like Excalibur, or, on humorous levels, Monty Python & the Holy Grail, even the Magic Sword, the latter Bert I Gordon movie looking like Citizen Kane compared to the Green Knight. Just dreadful.
Got over my “cinematic torpor” I’ve been kvetching of late & caught “The Green Knight” at the theater. The film is filled with miracles & performed on on me a miraculous feat that I haven’t experienced in 13 years: the first film I’ve walked out on since 2008’s “Be Kind, Rewind “. There were 40 minutes left in this leaden 125 minute behemoth for me to see, but I could endure no more of it. Laughably solemn ( the small crowd that I watched it with derisively laughed at it frequently ), sophomorically pretentious, & worst of all, PROFOUNDLY dull ! Do you give a royal shit about ANYONE in this film ?! I sure as hell didn’t. I’m a sucker for “Knight quest” movies like Excalibur, or, on humorous levels, Monty Python & the Holy Grail, even the Magic Sword, the latter Bert I Gordon movie looking like Citizen Kane compared to the Green Knight. Just dreadful.
Where should i begin??? This movie has stellar cinematography,score,setting etc but lacked the two most important factors for a fantasy adventure journey movie. which are characters and the journey of the lead. None of the characters stick with us after the watch and the journey of the lead was kinda meh but even with some flaws it still entertained me.