In the past couple years, Netflix has been trying really hard to establish itself as a premier movie production company. The King is part of this year’s Netflix bid for their elusive Oscar Best Picture win. Based on a series of Shakespeare plays, The King follows the life and story of King Henry the V in 1400s England.
One thing is clear about The King: it is a Netflix movie. This is far from anything supremely original or wildly captivating; it is the type of film to put on in the background while you work. However, while it’s riddled with problems, it does have a few redeeming qualities. For one, there is clearly talent behind the camera. The cinematography of the film manages to perform a high wire act as it balances beautiful shot lighting (most of which was impressively natural) with a subtlety that gives the film authenticity. Particularly during the battle scenes, it feels as if you are involved in the stakes, thanks in part to the camerawork. The costumes and locations also felt very authentic to the time, as opposed to Hollywood’s typical depiction.
The acting is adequate/solid for most of the film. Chalamet, playing the protagonist, King Henry V, did not reach the heights of some of his performances in previous works, but nonetheless played a very humble and dutiful character. Robert Pattinson also gives a decent performance and the Dauphin of France, but the performance that shines by far is that of Joel Edgerton. As Sir John Falstaff, an Englishman loyal to King Henry, Edgerton expertly adds comedy and depth to his character.
However, herein lies this film’s biggest flaw. The writing is simply not that good. Not in the sense of style and language, but in that it lacks structure and direction. For example, take the opening and closing of the film. Both, in my opinion, do not thrust or close the questions that the film asks. They are completed wasted moments that serve no purpose to the narrative. As a result, the pacing of this movie also suffers. For the first half, too much time is spent on Henry V before his ascension to the throne. This could’ve worked if not for the fact that the main philosophical question of this story revolves around his campaign for France. Though there are many small moments that were quite impressive, there is nothing that is inherently original with this film. The King relies far too much on history to be a good movie. It’s just another film that Netflix puts in its library to give curious viewers new options. Otherwise, it’s not worth the time.
3/5 STARS