Andrew Garfield’s ‘The Uprising’ Divides Critics With 50% Score on Rotten Tomatoes

Hollywood’s fascination with Robin Hood continues, as studios seek new interpretations of this legendary figure. This fall, audiences are treated to two distinct takes on the folklore, both exploring the medieval unrest that inspired the tales.

Paul Greengrass’s film, ‘The Uprising,’ is the second of these adaptations, following the more somber ‘The Death of Robin Hood’ starring Hugh Jackman. Instead of focusing on the iconic archer, Greengrass’s narrative centers on the historical Peasants’ Revolt of 1381, featuring Andrew Garfield as a grieving farmer known as Ploughman, who rises as an unexpected leader against the corrupt regime surrounding the young King Richard II.

As reviews pour in ahead of its September 11 release, ‘The Uprising’ has garnered a divisive 50% score on Rotten Tomatoes, indicating a split in critical reception for Greengrass’s politically charged docudrama.

Set in plague-ridden 14th-century England, the film depicts a populace still reeling from the Black Death, now further burdened by new taxes imposed by the boy king’s manipulative council. This council includes Treasurer Robert Hales, portrayed by Tom Hollander, Archbishop Simon Sudbury, played by Stephen Dillane, and London Mayor William Walworth, played by Jonny Lee Miller, all of whom take advantage of the power vacuum left by their overwhelmed teenage ruler.

Garfield’s Ploughman becomes embroiled in the escalating unrest alongside Jamie Bell’s radical priest John Ball and Thomasin McKenzie’s fellow rebel Alyce, ultimately leading a march from Essex to London to confront the crown.

Critics have praised the film’s performances, particularly highlighting Garfield’s ability to convey depth through largely nonverbal moments, with his interactions alongside McKenzie noted for their emotional weight.

Woody Norman’s portrayal of the young king has also sparked conversation, serving as a contrasting figure to Garfield’s Ploughman, showcasing two distinct leadership styles emerging in times of crisis. Katherine Waterston’s minor role as the cautious Countess Joan of Kent has also received attention despite her limited screen time.

However, not all critics are enamored with Greengrass’s approach. Some have described the film as an uneven, sprawling mosaic that struggles to justify its docudrama style, with the director’s signature handheld camera work and rapid editing feeling more exhausting than immersive at times.

Additional critiques point to the thin characterization of Ploughman, whose defining traits are largely restricted to grief and a desire to do what is right, leaving the film’s emotional core feeling reactive rather than fully developed.

Garfield has expressed the parallels he sees between the film’s medieval context and contemporary wealth inequality. During the film’s promotional tour, he mentioned to The Hollywood Reporter that he hopes billionaires watching the film will be genuinely unsettled by its themes.

With an R rating, a runtime of 2 hours and 7 minutes, and a star-studded cast supporting Garfield’s lead, ‘The Uprising’ is poised to ignite discussions among audiences intrigued by its mix of historical drama and sharp social commentary, even as critics remain divided on whether Greengrass’s execution aligns with his ambitious vision.

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