Writer/Director David Lowery’s adaptation of the anonymously written, 14th-century poem “Sir Gawain and the Green Knight” makes for one epic feast of a movie. Lowery deconstructs it, creating an intensely robust sword and sorcery feature thematically, visually, and narratively. The Green Knight doesn’t just ensnare you in its captivating spell piecemeal; it consumes you wholly from the opening frames.
King Arthur’s nephew, Gawain (Dev Patel), spends his time drinking or visiting the brothel, often to the chagrin of his doting mother (Sarita Choudhury). He’s never really ventured beyond the castle walls or amassed the experiences that earned fellow knights of the round their status. That is until the reckless young man volunteers for a quest to face the gigantic Green Knight (Ralph Ineson) a year after starting their twisted game of beheading. Thrust into the dangerous world of ghosts, giants, and magicks unknown, Gawain finds himself on a journey of self-discovery in his bid to prove his worth.
Lowery strips this Arthurian legend of most of its overt Arthurian labels to keep the attention and focus on its hesitant hero, Gawain. This isn’t about Arthur or Merlin, bu a story about Gawain and his attempt to earn the knighted “Sir” title. His legendary and respected King (Sean Harris) holds a court of knights that adjourn at a round table and takes counsel from a wise Magician (Emmet O’Brien). Who they are is implied but never spoken, as is Gawain’s Mother, a powerful Pagan witch. This iteration of Morgana isn’t a villainess but a central representation of one of the poem’s core themes of women’s power over men. Mother’s role as a shaper and observer of his son’s quest offers a rich layer to unpack in this story. The thematic battle between Paganism and Christianity also provides lush subtext to chew on long after the end credits roll.
Gawain’s quest takes him on a sprawling adventure filled with desolate wastelands, harsh elements, bizarre encounters, and no shortage of the supernatural. Yet, this dark fantasy adventure opts to ground the mysticism with a profoundly internal voyage for its hero. Thrust out from the safety of his comfortable life, Gawain struggles with naivety, trust, chivalry, honor, and lust. The latter, largely thanks to the magnetic performance of Alicia Vikander in dual roles, brings an unexpected sensuality that further rounds outs such a satisfyingly dense sensory experience.
The production design is lavish and deeply committed to the medieval period, full of practical effects and matte paintings. As is the enchanting score and dialogue. While not necessarily period-accurate- because it is fantasy- it’s intricately immersive and awe-inspiring. Lowery plunges you into a dreamlike vision of 14th century Europe rooted in Pagan magic and sorcery from its opening frame. A world where Christianity is rapidly encroaching, complicating Gawain’s travels by altering perceptions of morality, mortality, and salvation. It’s an intoxicating, eerie atmosphere, whether foggy landscapes, haunted houses nestled in the woods, stately castles, or sprawling battlefields adorned in corpses.
Every single trial and tribulation brings new facets to an increasingly complex adventure. Nothing is as it seems; it’s so much more. Patel imbues Gawain with breathtaking humanity, embracing the reckless would-be knight with compelling vulnerability. Even at Gawain’s worst moments, Patel brings a natural charisma. His character arc is tremendous yet simplified enough to offer an easy throughline to navigate the thick bramble of subtext and depth.
The Green Knight is a meaty, heady tale. Every single component of production is executed to perfection. Lowery doesn’t distill the poem’s themes to their basics; the filmmaker somehow breathlessly tackles it all. It’s a triumphant cinematic experience that captures every bit of the wonder that permeates the sword and sorcery films of the ‘80s while feeling wholly new and original. Lowery’s latest impresses and wows with a tactile dark fantasy epic that cuts right to the Pagan heart of Arthurian legend. It’s as mesmerizing as it is unexpected, transporting you instantly on a beguiling, surreal journey that gets under your skin and refuses to leave.
The Green Knight releases in theaters on July 30, 2021.
