Name: The Last Kingdom: Seven Kings Must Die
Genre: Action, Adventure, War
Released: 2023-04-14T00:00:00+00:00
Cast: Alexander Dreymon, Harry Gilby, Mark Rowley, Arnas Fedaravičius, Cavan Clerkin

The camera lingers on Alexander Dreymon’s weary face as Uhtred of Bebbanburg stares into the distance, the weight of a fractured kingdom pressing down on him. This is the final chapter of Netflix’s The Last Kingdom, and while Seven Kings Must Die delivers plenty of action and spectacle, it stumbles in its attempt to wrap up years of storytelling with a single film.

Directed by Edward Bazalgette from a script by Martha Hillier, the movie serves as both an epilogue and a conclusion to the series based on Bernard Cornwell’s The Saxon Stories. The cast is largely faithful to the show, with Dreymon reprising his role as Uhtred, alongside Harry Gilby as Aethelstan and Mark Rowley as Finan. The film picks up where the series left off, with King Edward dead and his sons vying for power, setting the stage for a battle to unite England.

The film’s strengths lie in its action sequences and cinematography. The battles are brutally choreographed, with Bazalgette’s direction capturing the chaos and intensity of medieval warfare. The cinematography is striking, particularly in scenes set against the rugged landscapes of England and Scotland. Dreymon’s performance as Uhtred remains compelling, even if his character feels somewhat adrift without the series’ slower, more introspective moments.

However, Seven Kings Must Die falters in its attempt to condense years of narrative into a single film. The relationships that were carefully cultivated over five seasons feel rushed and underdeveloped here. Uhtred’s bond with Aethelstan, for instance, which was a cornerstone of the series, is reduced to a few tense confrontations. The film also struggles with pacing, alternating between rushed exposition and prolonged battle sequences that sometimes feel repetitive.

The film’s central premise—that seven kings must die before England can be united—provides a compelling narrative hook, but it’s not always executed with the subtlety or depth one might hope for. Aethelstan’s arc, in particular, feels underdeveloped. His internal conflict over his homosexuality and his quest to unite England is intriguing, but the film doesn’t give him enough screen time to explore these themes fully.

Despite its flaws, Seven Kings Must Die offers a satisfying conclusion to the series for longtime fans. The final act, in which Uhtred must confront Aethelstan one last time, is well-executed and emotionally resonant. The film’s commitment to historical detail and its faithfulness to Cornwell’s source material will likely please audiences who have followed Uhtred’s journey from the beginning.

Ultimately, Seven Kings Must Die is a flawed but entertaining conclusion to The Last Kingdom. It delivers on action and spectacle but struggles with pacing and narrative depth. While it may not be a must-see for casual viewers, fans of the series will find much to appreciate in this final chapter.

The film’s performances are a mixed bag. Dreymon’s Uhtred is as charismatic and complex as ever, but Gilby’s Aethelstan feels one-dimensional in comparison. The supporting cast, including Mark Rowley as Finan and Arnas Fedaravičius as Sihtric, fare better, providing depth and nuance to their respective roles. However, even they are hampered by the film’s rushed pacing and lack of screen time.

Bazalgette’s direction is competent but uninspired. He captures the grandeur of the battles and the beauty of the landscapes, but he struggles to bring the same level of emotional depth to the quieter, more introspective moments. The film’s cinematography is a standout, with sweeping shots of the English countryside and intimate close-ups that highlight the actors’ performances.

Themes of unity, faith, and identity are explored throughout the film, but they are often overshadowed by the action sequences. Aethelstan’s struggle with his homosexuality and his quest to unite England under a single faith is a compelling narrative thread, but it is not given the screen time or development it deserves. The film’s exploration of these themes feels rushed and superficial, leaving viewers wanting more.

Comparisons to other historical dramas are inevitable. While Seven Kings Must Die shares some similarities with films like Braveheart and Gladiator, it lacks the emotional depth and narrative complexity of those classics. It is a solid entry in the genre but fails to rise above its contemporaries.

The film’s target audience is clearly fans of the series. Casual viewers may struggle to follow the complex web of alliances and betrayals that drive the plot. However, for those who have followed Uhtred’s journey from the beginning, Seven Kings Must Die offers a satisfying conclusion. The final act, in which Uhtred must confront Aethelstan one last time, is well-executed and emotionally resonant.

In conclusion, The Last Kingdom: Seven Kings Must Die is a flawed but entertaining conclusion to a beloved series. It delivers on action and spectacle but struggles with pacing and narrative depth.