The Green Knight

This isn't your grand-dad's Excalibur. Those not coming into David Lowery's advant-garde rendition of the Arthurian story expecting a Heart-of-Darkness-esque journey for Gawaiin as he faces his own insecurities regarding his personal honor will be thrown off by the deliberate (to a fault) plodding pacing and off-kilter plot. That said, The Green Knight is quite a trip that deserves a viewing for its production design and cinematography alone -- as well as a very impressive performance by it's ever dashing lead Dev Patel, playing Gawain. Those familiar with and are thrilled to check out the type of films A24 (Uncut Gems, Midsommer, The Lighthouse) has made itself a name for will feel right at home with what The Green Knight has to offer.

It's very similar to the old story "Pilgrim's Progress".. This is an excellent Hero's Journey storyline ripe full of haunting metaphors and questionable character development. The films lead character has a consistent mystery about him that draws the audience into his desperate and deeply personal world. The scenes are a bit drawn out but if you hang in there, there's an exceptional story about personal growth that anyone can relate to.... Just, without the ghosts. Lol

Read the book before you trash the movie. This story is very strange and slow paced. If you think it is "boring" you've come into it with the wrong expectations. It is a movie about a guy who has to willingly walk to his presumed death because that is honorable and that is what a knight would do. But it is also about someone who is very flawed and honestly normal. He has selfish desires that he has to overcome to be the knight he wishes to be. Good movie, very strange. Don't be fooled.