The Last Kingdom: Seven Kings Must Die Review: The latest Netflix film marks the end of the five-season-long series based on The Saxon Stories by Bernard Cornwell. It is directed by Edward Bazalgette and the screenplay is written by Martha Hillier. Produced by Nigel Marchant, Gareth Neame and Mat Chaplin.
The ensemble cast of the film includes Alexander Dreymon as Uhtred of Bebbanburg, Mark Rowley as Finan, Arnas Fedaravicius as Sihtric, Rod Hallet as Constantin, Harry Gilby as Aethelstan, Laurie Davidson as Ingilmundr, Ross Anderson as Domnal, Ingrid García-Jonsson, James Northcote as Aldhelm, Cavan Clerkin as Father Pyrlig, Tom Christian as Dunstan, Ewan Horrocks, Zak Sutcliffe as Edmund, Nick Wittman as Eamon and Alexandra Tóth.
Netflix’s description of the film reads:
In the wake of King Edward’s death, Uhtred of Bebbanburg and his comrades adventure across a fractured kingdom in the hopes of uniting England at last.
-The Last Kingdom: Seven Kings Must Die Review Does Not Contain Spoilers-
The series and film follow Uhtred of Bebbanburg and his pursuit to unite England. In the series, we saw Alfred the Great defend his kingdom from Norse invaders, meanwhile, Uhtred was born a Saxon but raised by Vikings. He seeks to claim his ancestral birthright and regain the lands annexed by his uncle. While Uhtred was successful in claiming his right & becomes the leader of a community in Northumbria.
The latest film starts from a point where King Edward, the rightful ruler of these lands has died. It is a great opportunity for the invaders to gather allies and claim their power. Meanwhile, the contenders for the thrown have their own conflict for the crown as Aelfweard has claimed his right by trying to make King Edward’s third wife Eadgifu and her son Edmund hostage, but they flee beforehand.
While the other contender his brother Aethelstan remains in the way, who has now surrendered to Christianity completely & is accompanied by a new advisor Ingilmundr. However, the introduction of this new character doesn’t seem to bring any good, especially to Uhtred who is embroiled in this ravaging war, due to his swear to protect Aethelstan.
There’s another thing to note is the prophecy that is told by one of the characters, who often sees visions. It says, “Seven kings die, all of Britain will unite.” Who will be these seven kings and from which side, is what you will get to know in the film.
In terms of storytelling, there are definitely a lot of things happening and at quite a fast pace but it definitely doesn’t confuse the viewers. Whenever we move from one place to another, the creators were considerate enough to tell everyone where this place is & what its name used to be earlier. It helps to follow along without having to put two & two together on our own.
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Also, despite having a lot to cover, it doesn’t lose the audience, through its effective storytelling. It doesn’t waste any time in meandering over unnecessary events & gets straight to the point. The film stays true to the time period it’s currently showing without having the urge to modernise it for the new time’s sake. The portrayal of how faith and religion are used to influence the common people as well as the one in power is accurate as well relatable to contemporary times as well.
Talking about the characters, well Uhtred remains at the forefront leading the story forward, in fact, Ingilmundr intrigues us in the first half of the story, as we are not sure what his real intentions are. However, I feel that in the second half, he could have a bit more impact but he rather disappears in the crowd.
What could have elevated much more tension is the incoming of Anlaf. He plays somewhat of an important role as an antagonist but never really comes into the complete limelight. Also, in epic period dramas, the fight scenes are the ones to look forward to and the same is the case here, although it might not be of that large scale, as in Game of Thrones for instance.
The Last Kingdom: Seven Kings Must Die Review: Final Thoughts
I think it was an interesting film, as a standalone too if someone hasn’t seen the series. You will know the characters & who is the good-bad guy pretty easily. Yes, knowing the backstory does help to get immersed in the story much better but even on its own, it brings out the key highlights of the story & the protagonist.
On a side note, everything covered in the film could easily have been a series as well, by showing many other events & details that couldn’t make the cut. As if someone made a reel of a Youtube Video, which covers all the important points but doesn’t have the same feel as a long video. But I guess from Netflix’s point of view, this film could also be a starting point for more people to get into the series.
The Last Kingdom: Seven Kings Must Die is currently streaming on Netflix.
Im 1:30 out its only been som fighting with swords in the very beginning, the rest from there its only fighting with WORDS, looooong old words from that time(feels like im watching a theater wilth actors on scenes) i may be stupig but god lord those speaking its NOT make it any better, ALOT OF DEAD PEOPLE SHOWS UP (whole ass villages) but you NEVER SEE THE ACTION how they gets killed,
THAT LITTLE BRATT OF A KING KILLING OF PEOPLE TROUGHT THE MOVIE, hes like a 13 years little shit, now 1: 23 in the movie HE JUST FUCKING TURN AROUND LIKE THAT??!? well that was for me, il watch in a few year or so, I HATE THEN SOMEONE EVIL ( different other show ANIMES or movies)JUST BECOME SUDDENLY ALL GOOD in the end of movie or somthing,
was not fan of the last kingdom, IM DEFENTLI NOT NOW AFTER THIS ONE,
please stay in the year or around 1900 instead, not year in 500…how about the happy 70-80-90 time with famous music from that time, maybe an old orginal band could step up and play someting in the movie or atleast play it on radio or old stereo system(boom box player).
My score: 1.3 of 5