The Green Knight (2021)

David Lowery expands his pallet into Arthurian legend in this Dev Patel fronted medieval thriller/drama. Patel plays Gawain, who early on becomes Sir Gawain after taking up the challenge of the Green Knight; that is to strike him down if he will allow the Green Knight the same courtesy in a year’s time. The film is adapted from a 14th century poem, and Lowery makes full use of the world that the old poem offers. Weird and in part wonderful, Sir Gawain embarks on his quest after a year of attention and partying after slaying the Green Knight. Well, slaying his a strong word when the knight picks up his head and walks off, telling Gawain he’ll see him in a year. There are a handful of impressive smaller performances; Sean Harris is wonderfully nuanced as the King, and Joel Edgerton pops up for a very welcome cameo. Alicia Vikander is on striking form playing two different characters (or is she?), but this is Patel’s film and, as usual, he’s fantastic. The Green Knight subtly tackles masculinity, entwining that into the historical background of the film, which is shot magnificently by Andrew Droz Palermo. There are hints of middle earth in the setting, but this is more humane than The Lord Of The Rings in its core idea. The Green Knight is enjoyable in its originality, and is quite a ride; although it doesn’t quite come off as the masterpiece some have claimed. 7.2/10