Gawain is less the exalted hero and more of the man in over his head. Patel is instantly likable despite Gawain’s flaws and has a charismatic presence that endears Gawain to the viewers, even at his weakest moments.

More of a child than a man who expects greatness and desires to be a knight but fumbles about, misunderstanding and misapplying the chivalric code. The performances are fantastic across the cast, but the buzz around Dev Patel’s Gawain is well deserved. Like the work of the original Gawain Poet, Lowery’s approach allows for leeway and interpretation. However, the interpretation will vary from viewer to viewer. Just as a reader will bring their own perspective to the poem, this film is the same in that regard.ĭavid Lowery’s approach to the story definitely creates an underlying message of what it is meant to be seen as chivalrous and the crushing weight of expectations, internal and external. The original poem is subject to many translations, all affected by the translator’s views. This fits given the centuries of debate on interpretations of the tale by English theorists and Arthurian scholars. The overall adaptation of the classic poem is equally faithful and divergent. The Green Knight is produced by Ley Line Entertainment, Bron Studios, and Sailor Beat, and distributed by A24. Alicia Vikander, Joel Edgerton, Sarita Choudhury, Sean Harris, Kate Dickie, Barry Keoghan, and Erin Kellyman round out the cast. Dev Patel stars as the tested Sir Gawain, with Ralph Ineson as the titular Green Knight. The film is the work of writer and director David Lowery ( Pete’s Dragon, A Ghost Story), who also takes on editing and producer roles. As such, he must live up to his end of the challenge, traveling to meet The Green Knight. Gawain takes on the challenge with a shocking result.

Anyone may strike a blow against him, but in one year, they must meet him at his Green Chapel so that he may return the blow. The Green Knight, a monstrous figure resembling the Green Man, enters and offers a challenge. During a Christmas celebration, Arthur challenges his court for a legend or adventure. The film’s synopsis is fairly simple: Sir Gawain, the nephew of King Arthur, seeks glory. However, it is a challenge worth accepting, much like the Christmas game of the film. Perhaps to its detriment when it comes to a general audience. The Green Knight is a film that will challenge most viewers. There are enough arguments one can make to include the film into the horror canon, however. The Green Knight (2021) is an adaptation of the classic, anonymously written Arthurian poem “Sir Gawain and The Green Knight.” The film is not necessarily a horror film, but there is horror present with ghosts, impending death, and the unforgiving relentlessness of nature. The triumphant air of the poster may be misleading to some.

X gon give it to ya chivalry