In Michael Sarnoski’s A24 thriller The Death of Robin Hood, Hugh Jackman stars as an aged, fugitive folklore hero hiding from the relatives of people he killed in his prime, according to reviews and first-look coverage from Entertainment Weekly. Set in 1247 and shot on 35mm film in Northern Ireland, the 123-minute feature strips away the romanticized legend to examine the physical and mental toll of a violent life.
Hugh Jackman and Michael Sarnoski Reframe the Outlaw Myth
Jackman delivers a grizzled performance as a remorseful protagonist who recognizes that he was once a “murderous outlaw who did a lot of terrible things, and was kind of monstrous,” as director Michael Sarnoski told Entertainment Weekly. Sarnoski, known for his work on A Quiet Place: Day One and Pig, centers the narrative on the final chapter of the character’s life rather than his peak years of stealing from the rich and giving to the poor.
According to Entertainment Weekly, the script examines the heavy weight of power and how it can be wielded for good or bad. The film opens with a brutal, guttural monologue after a young girl approaches the aging outlaw to ask if the old stories are true. Jackman told Entertainment Weekly that the script stood out because it treats Robin Hood as “a real man in our story” complete with “scars, the pain, the regret, and yes, the love.”
Key Supporting Characters: Little John and Sister Brigid
The film reunites the title character with former associates and introduces figures who challenge his perspective on his past. Bill Skarsgård plays Little John, whom Sarnoski describes as one of Robin’s former “child soldiers” during his days as a thief, according to Entertainment Weekly. Little John—now going by Edward—seeks out his old leader because his wife and daughter have been taken away.
Following a rescue attempt where Edward’s wife is killed, Edward, his daughter Margaret (played by Faith Delaney), and a badly beaten Robin seek refuge on an island. There, they find sanctuary under the care of Sister Brigid, played by Jodie Comer.
Did you know?
Cinematographer Pat Scola utilized locations across Northern Ireland, including the Mourne Mountains, Glenarm Bay, and the Rock of Cashel, to capture the damp, melancholic atmosphere of the film, supported by Northern Ireland Screen.
Critical Reception and Cinematic Style
Reviews for The Death of Robin Hood highlight its distinct pacing and visual aesthetic. While the dialogue delivered in heavy brogues can occasionally be unintelligible and that the narrative slows significantly once the characters reach the island, praise centers on the striking cinematography by Pat Scola and a mournful musical score by Jim Ghedi.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who directed The Death of Robin Hood?
Michael Sarnoski directed the A24 film, having previously directed Pig and A Quiet Place: Day One, according to Entertainment Weekly.
Who stars in the film?
Hugh Jackman stars as the aged outlaw, alongside Jodie Comer as Sister Brigid and Bill Skarsgård as Little John, according to Entertainment Weekly.
Where was the movie filmed?
The production was shot on location in Ireland, utilizing the north coast of Northern Ireland, the Mourne Mountains, Glenarm Bay, and the Rock of Cashel, backed by Northern Ireland Screen.
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