Introduction

Released in 2019, The King is a historical drama directed by David Michôd and co-written by Michôd and Joel Edgerton. Inspired by William Shakespeare’s Henriad plays and loosely based on historical events, the film explores the rise of King Henry V of England, his internal struggles, and the tumultuous path that led to his rule. Starring Timothée Chalamet in the titular role, alongside Joel Edgerton, Robert Pattinson, Sean Harris, and Ben Mendelsohn, The King blends elements of Shakespearean drama with a grounded, gritty approach to medieval warfare and political intrigue.

The film received widespread attention for its strong performances, particularly Chalamet’s brooding portrayal of Henry V, its stunning cinematography, and its revisionist take on historical events. However, it also garnered some criticism for historical inaccuracies and its interpretation of Shakespeare’s original texts. Despite these debates, The King remains a compelling addition to the genre of medieval epics.

Plot Summary

Set in early 15th-century England, The King follows the reluctant ascension of Prince Hal (Timothée Chalamet) to the throne as King Henry V. Initially portrayed as a wayward prince, Hal has little interest in the political machinations of his father, King Henry IV (Ben Mendelsohn). Instead, he spends his time drinking and carousing with his close friend and mentor, Sir John Falstaff (Joel Edgerton), a battle-hardened knight with a cynical view of war and politics.

Hal’s estrangement from the royal court changes when his father dies, leaving him as the new King of England. Thrust into a world of courtly deception, political maneuvering, and external threats, Henry V must navigate a kingdom rife with enemies and betrayals. When tensions escalate between England and France, Henry is manipulated into declaring war, leading to the historic Battle of Agincourt.

Through his journey, Henry struggles to define himself as a ruler—torn between his past ideals, his trusted allies, and the expectations placed upon him. The film’s climax showcases his evolution into a decisive leader, culminating in a brutal and strategic victory against the French forces. However, his triumph is shadowed by the realization that he has been deceived by his own advisors, highlighting the themes of manipulation and the burdens of kingship.

Themes and Analysis

1. The Burden of Leadership

One of the film’s central themes is the transformation of Hal from a reckless youth into a responsible and hardened king. Throughout the film, we see Henry V grappling with the weight of his responsibilities, constantly questioning his own legitimacy and the morality of his decisions. His internal conflict is reflected in his relationships—whether with Falstaff, who represents his former self, or his scheming advisors, who embody the manipulative nature of political power.

Unlike Shakespeare’s version of Henry V, which often glorifies his leadership, The King presents a more introspective take on the character, depicting him as a reluctant ruler who struggles with the expectations placed upon him. His realization at the end of the film—that he has been manipulated into war—serves as a sobering critique of the way leaders are often used as pawns by those around them.

2. War and its Consequences

While many medieval epics portray war as a noble and glorious pursuit, The King takes a more brutal and realistic approach. The film does not shy away from showing the horrors of medieval warfare, depicting battles as chaotic, grimy, and merciless. The Battle of Agincourt, one of the film’s most intense sequences, is a masterclass in tension and strategy, showcasing how England’s outnumbered forces used the terrain and tactical ingenuity to overcome the French army.

However, rather than celebrating the victory, The King questions the very necessity of the war. Henry’s realization that he was tricked into conflict by his own advisors underscores the idea that war is often driven by deception and self-interest rather than genuine necessity. This revisionist approach contrasts with traditional narratives that depict Henry V’s campaign as a heroic conquest.

3. Betrayal and Political Manipulation

Throughout the film, Henry V struggles to discern whom he can trust. The court is rife with manipulation, from his advisors pushing him toward war to foreign enemies who seek to undermine his rule. The Dauphin of France (Robert Pattinson), though portrayed as an over-the-top antagonist, serves as a symbol of the external forces that challenge Henry’s legitimacy.

Yet the greatest betrayal comes from within his own council. By the film’s conclusion, Henry comes to realize that his decision to go to war was not his own but was orchestrated by those who sought personal gain. His final confrontation with his advisor William Gascoigne (Sean Harris) reveals the true nature of political power—one built on deceit and careful maneuvering rather than honor or righteousness.

Performances and Characterization

Timothée Chalamet as Henry V

Chalamet delivers a nuanced performance as Henry V, embodying both the vulnerability and the growing strength of his character. Unlike traditional portrayals of the monarch as a bold and commanding figure, Chalamet’s Henry is introspective and hesitant, making his eventual transformation all the more compelling. His measured delivery, combined with moments of quiet intensity, adds depth to the character.

Joel Edgerton as Falstaff

Edgerton’s portrayal of Falstaff diverges from Shakespeare’s version of the character. Instead of the comic and carefree drunkard, he is depicted as a weary warrior who acts as both a mentor and a cautionary figure for Henry. His role in the Battle of Agincourt provides one of the film’s most poignant moments, as he sacrifices himself to ensure Henry’s victory.

Robert Pattinson as the Dauphin

Pattinson’s portrayal of the Dauphin is one of the film’s more divisive elements. His exaggerated French accent and arrogant demeanor make him a caricature of the stereotypical villain. While some viewers found his performance entertaining, others felt it clashed with the otherwise grounded tone of the film. Regardless, his portrayal adds an element of levity to the otherwise serious narrative.

Direction and Cinematography

David Michôd’s direction brings a gritty realism to the medieval setting, opting for muted colors, naturalistic lighting, and immersive battle sequences. The cinematography by Adam Arkapaw enhances the film’s sense of realism, particularly in the battle scenes, which rely on tight framing and dynamic movement to create a sense of chaos and urgency.

Reception and Legacy

Upon its release, The King received generally positive reviews, with praise for its performances, cinematography, and atmospheric storytelling. However, some critics pointed out historical inaccuracies and the film’s departure from Shakespeare’s source material as areas of contention.

• Critical Reception: Many critics lauded Chalamet’s performance, noting his ability to convey the complexities of Henry’s character. The film was also praised for its production design and battle sequences.
• Audience Reception: While some viewers appreciated the film’s revisionist take on history, others found it lacking the dramatic weight of Shakespeare’s original plays.
• Historical Accuracy: Historians criticized the film’s portrayal of certain events, particularly its depiction of Henry V’s motivations and his relationship with Falstaff.

Conclusion

The King is a visually stunning and thought-provoking historical drama that offers a fresh take on the story of Henry V. By focusing on themes of leadership, war, and betrayal, the film moves beyond traditional historical epics and presents a more introspective, humanized portrayal of the young king. While not without its flaws, The King remains a compelling and ambitious reimagining of one of history’s most famous rulers.