I watched The Green Knight yesterday and it blew my mind. The cinematography and music design had been very well done. That being said, this movie is not for everyone. You should know that this film is not an action film at all, and there is only one scene which happens at the beginning of action.
The film is very ambiguous and tells a story of a wannabe knight’s search for honour very subtly but effectively. It can be confusing to watch as sometimes the scenes suddenly switch and characters just disappear. But keep in mind that this is not a historical retelling of the ancient poem but a pure adaptation. The film kind of builds up to make you believe that the main plot is Gawain’s battle with the Green Knight. However, for me, it was only after the credits rolled, did I realise the film was about the adventure of Gawain’s journey and the tests he faced to become a knight.
SPOILERS AHEAD!!! From the beginning, the film subtly tells you that Dev Patel’s Gawain is not exactly a trustworthy narrator. He frequently experiences visions seemingly of the future, and encounters creatures like a talking fox and giants. The story is intricately woven together and while watching it can seem confusing but afterwards, you will probably be able to decipher the very ambiguous ending.
Now we’re getting into major spoiler territory so heads up. The movie ends at the final confrontation between Gawain and the Green Knight. At first, Gawain offers his neck but flinches at the ax and runs away. Then there is a dream like sequence where Gawain sees an older version of himself as king. He sees that him as king by being a coward makes him disliked.
Suddenly the scene teleports back to Gawain returning and removing his protection sash and offering his neck. The Green Knight says “My brave knight. Off with your head,” smiling and the film ends. It is also revealed that the Green Knight was summoned by Morgan le Fay, Gawain’s mother and King Arthur’s half sister.
I believe there are different ways to decrypt the ambiguous ending. One was that the Green Knight had been summoned by Morgan to teach her son the values of being a knight (which is what I believe) and he is spared. Another is that Gawain returns knowing that he will become a true knight if he completes the Green Knights quest and is beheaded, knowing he achieved his ambition. Or Gawain returns seeing his vision of being a bad coward king and is spared and goes onto change himself and becomes a worthy king.
The entire film is very ambiguous but worth a watch if you like slow subtle films but beware this is not for everyone. Don’t jump in expecting Lord of the Rings level action and adventure.