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Sarnoski’s The Death of Robin Hood Divides Critics Over Brutal, Revisionist Take

Early reviews describe an A24 film that pairs striking craft and a committed Hugh Jackman turn with a violent opening and a quieter, ambiguous priory-focused second half, leaving critics split ahead of its June 19 release.

Overview

  • Major outlets published early reviews on Thursday that set expectations for Michael Sarnoski’s A24 film as a dark, R-rated reinvention of the Robin Hood story.
  • Critics report the movie reframes Robin Hood as an ageing, violent brigand whose legend masks brutality rather than heroism, a concept drawn from a little-known 17th‑century ballad.
  • Many reviewers single out Hugh Jackman’s weathered, committed lead performance and the film’s technical strengths, including Pat Scola’s cinematography and a moody score.
  • The first half is widely described as graphically violent and hard to watch, while the film’s shift to a quieter priory setting drew praise for atmosphere but criticism for tonal unevenness and emotional murkiness.
  • The film opens wide on June 19 and critics say it fits a recent trend of deconstructive takes on heroes, a positioning that may polarize audiences looking for either stark revisionism or clearer emotional payoff.