The Wasteland Reviewer

The Death of Robin Hood (2026) Written Review

Who is Robin Hood? We know this classic character in so many ways. We have the classic green outfit and Errol Flynn energy of The Adventures of Robin Hood that certainly set the tone and expectation for the character for decades to come. This version of the character is so iconic that Mel Brooks even made an entire spoof film to send it up. The presentation has always been an honorable man who gets into thieving to punish the correct and rich and give to the needy. But what if that wasn’t the case? What if Robin was a ruthless man who did criminal acts for his own enjoyment? This is such a different approach that it could be hard to imagine. That “Old Man ______” trend lately certainly has gotten its spotlight in recent memory and the new twist on this classic character is certainly that. The Death of Robin Hood arrives from A24 and Pig director Michael Sarnoski. 

What does Sarnoski bring to the experience that makes this film stand out for this classic character? First off, there is weight that is constantly pressured down on the cinematic experience in such a powerful way. You can feel a foreboding atmosphere enveloping the film with plenty of tension. You are never quite sure what Robin Hood is going to do throughout the film with plenty of tension and suspense. This is also an extremely serious film that delivers plenty of drama and emotion throughout the film. The emotional elements of the film are the foundation as this is a deeply introspective film that explores what the murderous and violent life of this outlaw now delivers upon him. Admittedly, this is a focused premise that feels a bit too overstretched which makes some stretches of the film feel a lot less engaging and the pacing is quite uneven. But when Sarnoski is striking the right chord with his character study, The Death of Robin Hood is completely enthralling. The film’s atmosphere is quite dark and stark but at times naturalistically beautiful. The work of cinematographer Pat Scola is striking and haunting. The powerful cinematography leverages sharply framed shots, a balance of darkness and striking beauty. Sarnoski does not deliver a lot of action or violence, but when he does…it is unnerving, brutal, and shocking. The last detail that truly ties the experience together is the impressive score by Jim Ghedi that leverages the cultural music of this isolated Northern Irish setting. 

Does the screenplay from Sarnoski stand up to the impressive filmmaking and atmosphere? The film opens with a powerful sequence that explores the mythos and Robin Hood and delivers a (shocking) representation of just how heartless and brutal Robin truly is. From the start, we understand who the TRUE Robin Hood is. The film does lean heavily into some recent tropes of other “Old Man” tales with them being dragged back into a violent past and then exploring who they could be outside of the violence, greed, and darkness. We see a man who is processing his near-death experience and newfound parental responsibility after the death of his friend. He must show a different side of himself when he ends up in a small convent place and is meant to raise his friend’s child. We see the journey of a depressed and isolated man until he finally gets opportunities to show that he can be more as well as confront the bloody past that has left generations of folks hunting him down. The supporting characters are so well constructed as they mean something much deeper to Robin Hood. A beautiful woman (both inside and out) who provides guidance and release for Robin becomes one of the most important players in this story. You have Little John who represents this dark past as he wants to drag Robin back into a series of violence. John’s daughter is a pure presence in Robin’s life, which is probably one of the first he has truly engaged. You even have a mysterious young man who makes Robin investigate his own past before providing guidance of his own. There are not a lot of specific narrative beats throughout this film, but the character study is deeply written and profound. But the themes elevate this film to a whole new level. Mythos and legend are interrogated deeply while Robin’s journey represents an aging man who must now confront truth and inevitable darkness from his own murderous past.

Does the cast add a new layer of power to the experience? Hugh Jackman delivers a powerful performance with plenty of screen presence as well. He sells the rugged physicality of this disgruntled and rough man who must confront so much of it. Jackman delivers an emotionally resonant speech in the film’s final moments, but he was still able to bring the terrifying presence and attitude that has made his character so fascinating. Jackman has the audience in his hands until the film rolls its credits. But it is not just Jackman who navigates this complex emotional journey. Bill Skarsgard delivers a performance with such distinct vocal styling and a brutal physicality, as he represents a reminder and catalyst for Robin confronting his past headlong for the first time. Jodie Comer’s Sister Brigid, who runs this orphanage, is a character who is full of love and hope. But there are some powerful and emotionally driven moments that Comer excels with (the pseudo-espionage filler lens). The final act of the film stands out so much as both Jackman and Comer explore plenty of emotions together. Some of the younger cast members like Noah Jupe (a mysterious young man who may or may not arrive to find Robin) and Faith Delaney (Little John’s daughter) both deliver engaging and layered performances that are quite challenging. One of the most underappreciated actors working today is Murray Bartlett and he steals every scene as The Leper whose final conversation with Robin Hood is quite profound and powerful.

Does Sarnoski channel his success with Pig with another aging mythological figure tale? The Death of Robin Hood is a powerful and thought-provoking film that has plenty of rich themes that are at the core of so many of our experiences. Jackman anchors this film with his complex and physical performance that is quite impactful. The rest of the cast deliver in their own way. The filmmaking from the framing to the music to the action are all quite memorable. The film could have easily been trimmed and more focused, but The Death of Robin Hood will be remembered for just how powerful it all is.