The Green Knight – An Epic Adventure Character Study

One of the biggest films of last year, The Green Knight didn’t even it come out last year after being delayed as a result of the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic. Now the film looks to be one of the biggest films of this year as it has definitely been worth the wait and certainly has all the makings of something worthy of the top of countless best of lists. That being said, it still won’t be for everyone but the sheer ambition and scope of this feature is something to behold. Though its visual prowess is undeniable, its narrative is sure to be where some may take issue. Admittedly, it’s a slow burn that takes some time to get going, reveling in the journey rather than in the destination. From there, it will be easy for audiences to take in the beautiful scenery. Suffice it to say that all those moments along the way are earned. Resting firmly on the shoulders of its star Dev Patel, he definitely delivers a star-making performance that should make that status no longer in doubt (if it ever was but it shouldn’t have been).

Those familiar with the source material are likely to have a greater connection with the story as The Green Knight is based on the Arthurian legend of Sir Gawain (Patel), the young and impulsive nephew of the King (Sean Harris). Looking to prove himself to his family and the rest of the kingdom, he embarked on a journey to confront a mysterious entity known as the Green Knight (Ralph Ineson). As mentioned, the story was more about the journey than the destination as shaped Gawain along the way into the knight he would become. Looking to defend his honor. Gawain would see some real adversity that would test his might and challenged his resolve. Putting on a brave face, trying to convince himself as much as others, it was a gradual process that involved some learning on the job about himself and what it truly meant to be a knight. This journey was Gawain against the world as he was merely a small part of the whole picture as it often seemed like he was on the verge of being consumed by the world around him but it never happened.

Despite odds that appeared to be insurmountable, Gawain remained up for the challenge in what was a sharp contrast from how he was established early on. In reality, he wasn’t the brash young man who lived in excess as he hid behind his connection to the king. Seeing him raw, naïve, and vulnerable in the face of the challenges he faced along the way to the Green Knight was much more compelling to watch. That same journey meant traversing the vast countryside and coming to face-to-face with ghosts, giants, magic, and a revolving door of unsavory characters. Gawain wasn’t infallible and made mistakes but he was still a character who was easy to root for though there was more to his journey than he may have realized. In the end, what drove him was his sense of duty and honor above all else. However, this proved to be challenge as that definition constantly evolved before perhaps getting lost along the way. While gripping, his arc was a tragic one.

Behind the film’s beautiful cinematography and imagery, creating an almost dream-like experience, and its epic score among the rest of its technical prowess be it its elaborate costumes or production design, the best part of The Green Knight and what makes it all work was Patel and his star-making performance as Sir Gawain. While the full emotional weight of the film literally rests on his shoulders, he was absolutely unfazed and delivered a stellar performance as the young knight. His charisma and screen presence keeps audiences engaged in his journey and his nuance and depth pull them further into his plight. He was a blast to watch as the film was undisputedly his. Meanwhile, Vikander and Edgerton both shine in small roles though the former would have benefitted from more character development.

At the end of the day, The Green Knight is a tale that won’t be for everyone but this character study will be one that will be talked about for the rest of the year and beyond.

still courtesy of Elevation Pictures

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Keith Noakes

The EIC of the coincidentally-named keithlovesmovies.com. A Canadian who prefers to get out of the cold and into the warmth of a movie theatre.