The Green Knight Continues to Prove That A24 is One of the Best in the Business
Since launching in 2012, film studio A24 has swiftly established itself as one of the most prominent film production companies in the world. It is honestly remarkable just how quickly A24 has made a name for itself and become so critically acclaimed. The studio has been responsible for so many of the past decade’s most iconic films, including numerous academy-award winners, blockbusters, and “instant classics” that have been revered by critics and audiences alike. Some of these include Ex Machina, The Lobster, Good Time, The Florida Project, Lady Bird, Midsommar, and Uncut Gems. One of the things that impresses me most about A24 is that they seem to have a commitment to artistic authenticity in spite of their commercial success. Now don’t get me wrong, A24 can afford high-budget productions and are still very much in the business of making money, but they aren’t afraid to take risks or give a significant amount of creative freedom to their filmmakers. I believe this is one of the fundamental reasons behind their continued success, and their most recent release, The Green Knight, epitomizes everything that sets A24 apart as it continues to produce enjoyable and distinct films that captivate audiences.
The Green Knight released on July 30th, 2021. I had the privilege of seeing it in theaters and was absolutely blown away. The film is based on an old Arthurian poem by the same name, but director David Lowrey’s subtle approach provides something surreally different from most modern-day film adaptations of European mythology. In The Green Knight, we follow the journey of Gawain (Dev Patel), King Arthur’s simple but glory-seeking Nephew, who embarks on an epic quest after accepting a challenge from the mystical Green Knight. Gawain strikes the towering figure down but does not defeat him, and from that moment, Gawain is given a year and a day before he must seek out the Green Knight and receive the return blow, which will surely mean his death. This simple yet profound story is a great example of how the journey is oftentimes just as important as the end, if not more.
The Green Knight does not contain the extravagant fight scenes or intense action sequences we have come to expect from fantasy films with similar settings. In fact, the film does not even contain much dialogue, with a considerable amount of the two-hour screen time dedicated to Gawain riding alone on his horse. But that doesn’t mean the film is not visually appealing; in fact, it’s the opposite. The cinematography is absolutely gorgeous, especially wide shots of Gawain’s gold cape contrasting luscious green-brown forests, towering-icy mountains tops, misty grey valleys, and more. The color palette of almost every shot makes the movie a visual spectacle. These visuals carry the film forward through “boring” parts between plot points as we truly see and feel the long, harsh journey that Gawain travels, as well as the toll it takes on him. This, paired with the flawless editing, aesthetic costumes, outstanding acting, and perfectly curated soundtrack, makes The Green Knight a masterpiece from a technical point of view. These are all elements that audiences have come to expect from A24 films, regardless of the genre or style.
The Green Knight is very much a slow-burner that requires extra effort to keep track of the subtle details, motifs, themes, and patterns the film presents. Though they appear unimportant in the beginning, they all contribute to the compelling narrative development. At its very core, The Green Knight is about Gawain and the pursuit of honor. Before he embarks on his adventure, Gawain lives a privileged and unexciting life, exemplified when he talks with the King and realizes he has “no stories to tell” because he hasn’t had any adventures. He also wants to be a knight (hence the pursuit of honor), but hypocritically does not carry himself in a very righteous or honorable manner: shown as he constantly drinks and refuses to commit to his lover, Essel (Alicia Vikander). All of this changes when he accepts the Green Knight’s challenge and begins his dangerous journey.
On his quest, Gawain encounters thieves, ghosts, lords, and mythical creatures that both aid him in his endeavors and challenge his convictions. Key events such as being robbed by thieves, questioned by the Lord (Joel Edgerton), and tempted by “the Lady” (who is also played by Alicia Vikander and who gives him a belt of magical protection) all force Gawain to realize how insignificant, powerless, and lacking in honor he really is. It is only by overcoming these obstacles and facing his fears that he truly acquires the honor he so desperately seeks. Throughout the entire film, we see Gawain struggle to keep pushing forward as he questions his ambitions. His encounter with a ghost of a woman named Winfred proves to be a pivotal turning point, and his honorable behavior toward her is seemingly rewarded when he encounters a fox who accompanies him for the rest of his journey.
Gawain’s growth over the film culminates at the end when he finally reaches the Green Knight. The slow pace at which the film operates for the majority of its duration is starkly juxtaposed by the frantic conclusion offered in the final twenty minutes. It certainly took me by surprise when I saw it for the first time. In the end, Gawain is faced with a decision, he could simply return home and lie, claiming that the Knight allowed him to live, or he could accept the return blow and possibly his death. There have been multiple interpretations of what messages/themes the film is trying to convey. I believe the ending completes Gawain’s narrative arc perfectly, as it was only after he made an honorable choice that he finally achieved what he always wanted but did not know if he was capable of.
The Green Knight is a brilliant story about an individual hero’s journey and character growth through grueling adversity. While perfectly capturing the compelling themes and artistic storytelling from the original lore, it also implements its own creative twists and modern presentation. A24 continues to meet and surpass expectations with each new release. Regardless of genre, A24 has shown that they are committed to making films that excel in commercial success without compromising their artistic integrity. If you’re looking for an opportunity to experience Gawain's fantastical journey in The Green Knight once more or for the very first time, be sure to catch a showing at the Askew Student Life Center on October 6. Hope to see you there!
Written by: Bryan Herrera | Instagram
Art by: Cassidy Elibol
