The Wasteland Reviewer

The Uprising (2026) Written Review

How many ways can the story of Robin Hood be told? One of the most interesting versions of said story is when a movie is weeks from release and then just decides to reveal that it is even based on the classic character. The Uprising is more of an adaptation of a seemingly true event that was the inspiration for the Robin Hood mythology to begin with. An uprising led by a mysterious figure with a tragic past certainly feels like it has all the makings of a worthwhile cinematic experience. Having the director of most of the Jason Bourne franchise is quite intriguing too. Paul Greengrass brings audiences back to 1300s England for a brutal tale of oppression, rebellion, and betrayal. 

How does Greengrass bring this legendary tale to life on screen? This is honestly one of the most imperfect directorial efforts of Greengrass’ career. This film lasts beyond the two-hour mark, and you feel it. The pacing through the first half of the film is awkward as much of the narrative is quite repetitive and could have certainly been condensed. Every scene also feels like it is drawn out which makes for some unbearable pacing. There is even an epilogue that should have been a quick stinger but is drawn out for ten minutes. The style of filmmaking that Greengrass is known for is certainly hand-held camera work which feels like something that does sit right with this period setting. The action is also a bit of a mixed bag. There is certainly a visceral nature to the action that gives the film an engrossing feel but there are also moments where the shaky camera work just might induce some nausea. The production design and costuming might not be the most impressive you have seen but it certainly works quite well. One of the engrossing and dynamic elements of the film is the score which was composed by Academy Award winner Volker Bertelmann. The music is dynamic and rich with emotion and elevates plenty in the film. Greengrass leverages a lot of slow motion as well which makes for a few epic moments (but also drags the pacing at times too). 

How does Greengrass approach this story? Unfortunately, The Uprising feels like a hodgepodge of other period epics of its fashion. There is plenty of Braveheart here as well as Ridley Scott’s own twist on Robin Hood. Having a tragic protagonist whose family all dies and he is pushed into sparking a rebellion against a tyrannical English king is quite William Wallace. But Greengrass never finds a fresh lane for The Uprising to stand out. There is little depth given to “Ploughman”, Andrew Garfield’s protagonist in the film. Even the supporting players who are a part of this rebellion lack depth and are rendered in a one-dimensional type of way. The narrative of the film is quite repetitive as there are around 45 minutes of just people yelling and stopping through the streets of different villages and cities. Even when the film finally crescendos, there are still roadblocks that get in the way. The most engaging piece of the whole film is the climactic stretch of the film where this uprising comes to a tragic end. But a decent chunk of this journey is spent on “evolving” the antagonist, King Richard II, who goes from being an insufferable whiny child to an insufferable arrogant child. When you have zero characters that have any interesting depth, that will certainly undercut your film. Even the Robin Hood focused epilogue feels stretched out way too long when it could have been delivered in a poignant and impactful stinger. If this narrative had been trimmed down a good 30-40 minutes, the film would have been much stronger for it. 

Does the cast do much to save the experience? Despite the lack of depth in the protagonist, Andrew Garfield still delivers a strong and committed performance. He sells the physicality needed throughout the film and the intensity of his Robin Hood hero. His performance gets a little hammy in the epilogue but at least he is showing some life after this elongated narrative experience. The few notable supporting actors amongst the rebels are Jamie Bell, Cosmo Jarvis, and Thomasin Mckenzie. Bell’s performance is big and full of emotion which makes him stand out. Jarvis brings his rough façade and intensity to this rebel leader. McKenzie delivers a fine performance as well even if her character is not given a ton to do throughout the film. You can never discount some good British character actors like Tom Hollander and Stephen Dillane when they come in and make the noble class in the film so instantly unlikeable and detestable. Katherine Waterston portrays the mother of the king and boy does she inject some serious attitude and side eye in her performance (as she expertly sells being done with her on screen son’s nonsense throughout the film). One of the glaring and frustrating elements of the film is the eye-bulging and annoying performance of Woody Norman as the king. You can never take the performance seriously because the whole performance is just making his eyes open wide as possible. 

Is The Uprising a worthwhile new twist on the Robin Hood mythos? Audiences already received an aged and grizzled Robin earlier this year from Hugh Jackman but unfortunately, The Uprising does not deliver any real substance. This is a historical epic about rebellion that feels like it pales in comparison to so many other films before it. Greengrass’ style is a mixed bag for the film with the action most excelling but the handheld camera feeling out of place for a period film like this. A strong score and a mostly strong cast aren’t enough when only the climax of the film truly soars.