The Wasteland Reviewer

Young Washington (2026) Written Review

Who is George Washington? Most Americans know him as the commander of the Continental Army during the American Revolution and the first president of the United States. His image is instantly recognizable, and his legacy has become part of American folklore, from the cherry tree story to countless other legends. But before Washington led the fight for colonial independence from Britain, he served the Crown during the French and Indian War. That chapter of his life is the focus of Angel Studios’ new biopic and war film, Young Washington.

How does director Jon Erwin present this tale of one of America’s national heroes? The atmosphere and vibe that Erwin leans into is more reminiscent of a superhero film than a classic period war drama. There is a mythological nature to how Washington is presented in the film and how his legacy is forged. The most exciting and engaging sequences of the film (obviously) are the war sequences which are brought to life with a more modern filmmaking approach, plenty of slow-motion footage, and some action hero type stunts. The music sounds like a more modern comic book movie influenced than you might hero in a war film. Unfortunately, there are stretches of the film that feel a lot less engaging and a tad boring (mostly centered on some romance for Washington). The film has some overly glossy visuals and some glaring AI elements that take you out of the film. Certainly, the film feels pulpier and more entertaining than a truly serious drama.

 How does the story of Washington come to life on screen? There are elements of his childhood that certainly set up the thematic elements of the film but not in the most nuanced way. The film has a knack for overplaying its themes and motifs quite a few times (a pawn over a king and chopping trees). The film leans into a lot of cliches when it comes to a young warrior who is trying to show their worth. There are failures and a powerful bounce back as you would expect. You get your big hero moments where Washington shows his true worth on the battlefield. The themes of the film center strongly on perseverance and Young Washington highlights that strongly throughout the film. There are certainly elements of the film that feel undercooked (like the romantic subplot) but the political and war elements engage quite well. The film’s script does take a more blunt and simplified approach. The dialogue is quite blunt and forced at times. The film also doesn’t reckon with the colonialism that drove the French and Indian War but instead just treats it as a backdrop for a singular man’s journey.

How does the cast standout in this biopic? The film anchors on the shoulders of William Franklyn-Miller who portrays Washington. The performance is solid enough but there is something quite modern about it. He sticks out in the film that takes the audience out of the film. Franklyn-Miller does have stature when it comes to the physicality for the battle sequences. Many of the other young cast members feel a bit flat and don’t really make an impact. There are at least a handful of veteran performers who bring a bit of weight to the film. Mary Louise-Parker portrays Washington’s mother, and she makes the most of the few key scenes she shares with Franklyn-Miller. Andy Serkis, Ben Kinglsey, and Kelsey Grammar all bring some life and charisma to the table with their supporting roles as well.

Is Young Washington a worthwhile biopic for one of the key Founding Fathers of the United States? This certainly is not the deepest or most dynamic biopic you are going to find. It is also not the most complex or compelling war film that will explore that darkness of war. But Young Washington does deliver a mythological hero’s tale that has plenty of entertainment value. There is a good thematic core about sacrifice and perseverance. You have exciting battle sequences too. This is a good popcorn flick to celebrate America’s 250th birthday.