The Uprising 2026 Movie Review
The Uprising (2026) is a historical action-drama directed and written by Paul Greengrass, starring Andrew Garfield as Ploughman. Set during England’s 1381 Peasants’ Revolt, the film follows ordinary people who rise against the oppressive rule of King Richard II.
Review
The Uprising is a gritty and intense historical drama that focuses less on romanticized medieval adventure and more on anger, injustice, class conflict, and the human cost of rebellion. Greengrass brings his familiar documentary-like realism to the period setting, making the revolt feel immediate and chaotic rather than like a traditional historical spectacle.
Andrew Garfield gives the film a strong emotional center. His performance as Ploughman is restrained but powerful, portraying an ordinary man gradually pulled into a much larger struggle. The supporting cast—including Jamie Bell, Stephen Dillane, Tom Hollander, Cosmo Jarvis, and Thomasin McKenzie—adds weight to the story.
One of the movie’s biggest strengths is its atmosphere. The muddy landscapes, brutal confrontations, and handheld-style intensity make the rebellion feel physically exhausting. The film also connects its historical themes to modern feelings of economic inequality, political frustration, and disenfranchisement. Early audience reactions have particularly noted the film’s strong sense of simmering anger and oppression.
However, the film may not satisfy viewers looking for a conventional Robin Hood-style adventure. Its marketing has caused some confusion because the U.S. campaign has linked it to the rise of Robin Hood, while the original positioning is a grounded depiction of the 1381 Peasants’ Revolt.
Final Verdict
The Uprising is a serious, brutal, and politically charged historical drama rather than a lightweight medieval adventure. Paul Greengrass’s realistic direction and Andrew Garfield’s committed performance make it worth watching, particularly for audiences interested in historical rebellions and character-driven war dramas.
Rating: ⭐ 8/10
Best for: Historical drama fans, war-movie audiences, Andrew Garfield fans, and viewers who enjoy gritty, realistic filmmaking.
Release: September 10, 2026 in theaters.
