The Death of Robin Hood Review: Hugh Jackman Delivers a Powerful Performance in a Dark Reimagining

For audiences expecting a traditional Robin Hood adventure filled with heroic exploits, daring archery, and battles against tyranny, The Death of Robin Hood may come as a surprise. Director Michael Sarnoski takes the legendary outlaw in a completely different direction, crafting a dark, introspective character study that focuses more on the man behind the myth than the myth itself.

Sarnoski’s vision is far removed from the swashbuckling tales that have defined Robin Hood for generations. Instead, the film explores a weary and broken Robin Hood grappling with the consequences of his violent past. After a brutal battle that he believes will be his last, Robin is left gravely injured and facing his own mortality. As he struggles to survive, he encounters a mysterious woman and a young girl who offer him something he never thought possible: a chance at redemption.

The film’s strongest asset is undoubtedly its cast. Hugh Jackman delivers a powerful and emotionally layered performance as Robin Hood, portraying him not as a fearless folk hero but as a man haunted by years of bloodshed and regret. It’s one of Jackman’s most restrained performances, and that restraint works beautifully within the film’s somber tone.

Equally impressive is Bill Skarsgård as Edward. Skarsgård brings an intensity and unpredictability to the role that keeps viewers engaged whenever he’s on screen. Meanwhile, Katie Breen shines as Margaret, delivering a performance filled with warmth, compassion, and emotional depth. Together, Jackman, Skarsgård, and Breen deliver performances worthy of awards consideration, breathing new life into characters that could have easily fallen into familiar archetypes.

Visually, the film is often breathtaking. The stunning landscapes of Northern Ireland and County Sligo, Ireland, provide a haunting backdrop for Robin’s final journey. The sweeping vistas, mist-covered hills, and rugged countryside create a sense of isolation and melancholy that perfectly complements the story’s themes of redemption and mortality. The cinematographer and director work together to create images that linger long after the credits roll.

Unfortunately, the film struggles with pacing. While the opening twenty minutes feature strong action sequences and effectively establish the darker tone, the momentum quickly fades. Once the story settles into its more contemplative rhythm, it often feels like it’s moving in circles rather than progressing forward. Scenes linger too long, and the film’s nearly two-hour runtime becomes increasingly noticeable as the narrative unfolds.

This is ultimately where The Death of Robin Hood loses some of its impact. The story being told is relatively simple, and there are long stretches where it feels like the film is stretching material that could have been delivered more effectively in a shorter runtime. In my view, the movie could have been cut down to ninety minutes—or perhaps even closer to an hour—and emerged as a far more focused and emotionally powerful experience.

While I admire the ambition behind Sarnoski’s approach, I also found myself questioning whether this story truly needed a theatrical release. Aside from the exceptional performances and gorgeous cinematography, The Death of Robin Hood often feels more suited for a streaming platform than the big screen. That may sound harsh, but it’s difficult to shake the feeling that the film’s intimate, slow-burn storytelling would have been just as effective—if not more so—as a direct-to-streaming release.

In the end, The Death of Robin Hood is an ambitious reimagining that deserves credit for trying something different with a familiar legend. It succeeds as a character-driven drama and features outstanding performances from its lead cast, but its sluggish pacing and overlong runtime prevent it from reaching its full potential.

Final Score: 3 out of 5

The Death of Robin Hood is worth watching for Hugh Jackman, Bill Skarsgård, and Katie Breen’s remarkable performances, as well as the film’s stunning photography across Northern Ireland and County Sligo. However, its slow pace and limited scope make it feel better suited for a night at home than a trip to the theater. While there is plenty to admire in Michael Sarnoski’s unconventional take on the legendary outlaw, this is one Robin Hood tale that ultimately works better as a quiet streaming experience than a cinematic event.