Outlaw King remains one of several underrated movies available on Netflix, especially within the action genre. Directed by David Mackenzie, the seven-year-old historical action stars Chris Pine as Robert the Bruce (Robert I), who became the King of Scotland in 1306 and reigned for over 20 years. Bruce was an instrumental force in the First War of Scottish Independence against Edward I of England (Stephen Dillane). Florence Pugh stars as Elizabeth de Burgh, Bruce’s second wife.
While Netflix has been around for quite some time, it hasn’t been until the past decade that its original content has taken off, ranging from easy misfires to fantastic pieces of work. The hit streaming service has every imaginable genre available for its subscribers to enjoy, with one of its most expansive genres being action and adventure. Outlaw King is one of those movies that has severely faded into the background, despite being a solid work for history buffs and action enthusiasts alike.
Outlaw King Is One of Netflix’s Best Action Movies
Netflix boasts an extensive catalog of titles across all genres, so it makes sense that many of its original programs end up falling into obscurity. The popular streaming service actually produces and releases numerous action movies with strong male protagonists, flashy explosions, and high-stakes battle sequences.
While Extraction (2020), Da 5 Bloods (2020), All Quiet on the Western Front (2022), and Triple Frontier (2019) are all something to write home about, Outlaw King also deserves a place on the list. The historical drama is worth watching, for one, because it covers a period that rarely sees the light of day in modern times.
The First War of Scottish Independence, which took place between 1296 and 1328, marked one of Scotland and England’s most important and influential conflicts. These battles are hardly ever depicted in the media, however, and are not as well-known to the public. As such, Mackenzie’s movie doesn’t just serve as entertaining action but also as a way to encourage learning.
Of course, Outlaw King wouldn’t be nearly as successful without the fantastic performances of its ensemble cast, with every actor bringing everything they’ve got to the table. Pine steals the show and drives the narrative magnificently as Bruce, with the actor getting lost in the role and effortlessly emerging as someone else.
Florence Pugh’s portrayal of Elizabeth de Burgh, Bruce’s wife, stands out because of the character’s strength, dedication, and poise. Considering how Pugh’s career has taken off sincethen, her Outlaw King role is a retrospective indicator of her talent. Aaron Taylor-Johnson (as James Douglas) and Callan Mulvey (as John Comyn III) also make the most of their respective opportunities.
When it comes to the movie’s ambiance and visuals, everything about Outlaw King’s production choices and cinematography is worth celebrating. The lighting is subtle and relatively dark throughout, though at daybreak, there is a natural shift in tone (still generally moody). The costumes fit the brief of 14th-century ware, as do the Scots’ wepondry.
The opening scene of Outlaw King, which features the Siege of Stirling and Edward I’s insistence on showing off Warwolf, takes the concept of a long tracking shot and utilizes it wonderfully. The musical score is impactful and easy on the ears, the camerawork feels crisp throughout, and overall, viewers are easily taken back in time.
An action movie isn’t worth watching without, obviously, some good physicality: Outlaw King expertly delivers grand battle sequences, exciting combat scenes, and even simple one-on-one moments with supposed ease. The best scenes in Mackenzie’s movie are easily the ones depicting the Battle of Loudoun Hill (1307) and the Battle of Bannockburn (1314). However, the movie obviously condenses their seven-year gap significantly.
The conflicts are as bloody and violent as one would expect, with there being no attempts to shy the audience away from the First War of Scottish Independence’s casualties. Bruce’s one-on-one combat with Edward II (Billy Howle) is particularly impressive because of how the opposing men interact with one another while dueling.