1/10/19 - The King (2019) - 6-/10

A historical prestige-lite, setting it on a smaller scale but it doesn’t feel light. It still packs the weight of its royal tale heritage, without over-extending itself in its scope, costumes, or grandeur. It doesn’t try to swing for more than it can hit, relying more on the intimateness and naturalness that Edgerton brings to his scripts and projects to make its narrow focus feel more homey than lacking. Otherwise, it plays up its other qualities as strengths. 

One of those is the score, which helped elevate the film. It felt so powerful and momentous; the soundtrack that befits The King. The other element is its on screen presences. Chamalet was so potent in both his stern stoicism and his hovering wistfulness. He keeps you locked in, the whole way through. Harris and Edgerton also bring it, performing their roles quite well and as they flitter around Timothy. But, perhaps the best thing in the film is Robert Pattinson. He and his faux-French dickbag character were so damn fun. He relishes each moment he is on screen, oozing smarm and a sick charm, and just being a joy to watch.

The King isn’t going to move any mountains, but I found it a finely crafted and enjoyable breeze, at least as far as old English tales of royal intrigue go.