The King (2019), directed by David Michôd and co-written with Joel Edgerton, is a historical drama loosely inspired by Shakespeare’s Henriad plays (Henry IV Part 1 & 2 and Henry V). The film offers a gritty, grounded retelling of how Prince Hal transforms into King Henry V, delivering a story filled with betrayal, politics, and brutal medieval warfare.
Detailed Summary
Prince Hal the Reluctant Heir
The film begins with Prince Hal (Timothée Chalamet), the wayward son of King Henry IV (Ben Mendelsohn). Hal is disillusioned with the court, disgusted by corruption and constant wars. He prefers drinking, brawling, and wandering the taverns with his friend, Sir John Falstaff (Joel Edgerton), rather than engaging in politics.
The Death of King Henry IV
As Henry IV’s health declines, Hal’s younger brother, Thomas, is expected to take the throne. But after Thomas is killed in battle, Hal reluctantly inherits the crown upon his father’s death. Suddenly, the reckless prince becomes King Henry V.
The Weight of the Crown
Now king, Henry seeks to rule with peace and restraint. He is determined to distance himself from his father’s violent legacy. However, pressure mounts from advisers and the nobility, and Henry finds himself pulled into international politics—particularly with France.
The March to War
A series of provocations—including an intercepted assassination plot and a mocking gift of a tennis ball from the French Dauphin (Robert Pattinson)—push Henry into declaring war on France. Despite his initial resistance to bloodshed, he gathers his forces and embarks on a campaign across the Channel. He also appoints Falstaff, once dismissed as a drunkard, as a commander, trusting his honesty and military instincts.
The Battle of Agincourt
The climax comes with the legendary Battle of Agincourt. The English, vastly outnumbered, face the French in muddy terrain. Falstaff advises using the environment to their advantage. The English lure the French knights into the swampy battlefield, where heavy armor becomes a death trap. What follows is a brutally realistic battle sequence, filled with mud, chaos, and desperate combat. Falstaff dies in the melee, but his strategy secures victory for England.
Movie Ending
After Agincourt, Henry V consolidates his triumph by negotiating with the French King Charles VI (Thibault de Montalembert). He demands the Dauphin’s surrender, but Charles offers something unexpected: his daughter, Catherine of Valois (Lily-Rose Depp), as Henry’s bride, sealing peace between their nations.
However, in a final twist, Catherine reveals to Henry that France never sent assassins, nor did they intend to provoke war. The so-called threats were fabricated by Henry’s adviser, William Gascoigne, to manipulate him into pursuing war and glory. Furious at this betrayal, Henry executes Gascoigne for treachery. The film closes with Henry embracing Catherine, vowing to rule differently—but already scarred by the weight of deception and the bloody crown he wears.
It’s a haunting ending, reminding us that power is always entangled with manipulation, and even good intentions can be twisted into tragedy.
Are There Post-Credits Scenes?
No. The King does not have any post-credits or mid-credits scenes. Once the film ends, the story is complete.
Type of Movie
This is a historical drama/epic with strong Shakespearean influence. It strips away some of Shakespeare’s poetic flourish in favor of realism, brutality, and political intrigue.
Cast
- Timothée Chalamet as King Henry V (Hal)
- Joel Edgerton as Sir John Falstaff
- Sean Harris as William Gascoigne
- Ben Mendelsohn as King Henry IV
- Robert Pattinson as The Dauphin of France
- Lily-Rose Depp as Catherine of Valois
- Thibault de Montalembert as King Charles VI of France
Film Music and Composer
The score was composed by Nicholas Britell, known for his work on Moonlight and Succession. His music blends somber orchestral tones with atmospheric sounds, underlining the film’s grounded realism and tense atmosphere.
Filming Locations
The movie was filmed primarily in England and Hungary, with key battle scenes shot in muddy fields and forests to create a raw medieval atmosphere. These natural landscapes add authenticity, making the battles look as exhausting and grim as they would have been in reality.
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Awards and Nominations
While not a major awards contender, The King received positive attention for its production design and performances. It earned nominations at festivals and critic circles, particularly praising Chalamet and Pattinson’s performances.
Behind the Scenes Insights
- Joel Edgerton not only co-wrote the screenplay but also played Falstaff, giving him a unique creative voice both in and out of the story.
- Timothée Chalamet trained extensively in sword fighting and horseback riding for the role.
- Robert Pattinson improvised much of his quirky French accent and gestures, which gave the Dauphin his eccentric flair.
- Director David Michôd deliberately toned down Shakespeare’s flowery language to make the film feel grounded and accessible.
Inspirations and References
The film is inspired by Shakespeare’s plays but takes liberties, especially in its portrayal of Falstaff and Henry’s moral struggle. Historically, some events are condensed or dramatized for narrative effect, focusing more on the psychology of kingship than strict accuracy.
Alternate Endings and Deleted Scenes
No alternate endings have been made public, but some reports mention trimmed dialogue and minor political subplots that were cut to streamline pacing.
Book Adaptations and Differences
The film adapts Shakespeare’s Henriad rather than a traditional historical text. The biggest change is the role of Falstaff—who, in Shakespeare, dies offstage early in Henry V. Here, he plays a central role, acting as Henry’s conscience and military adviser.
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Memorable Scenes and Quotes
Key Scenes
- The brutal one-on-one duel between Hal and Hotspur early in the film.
- Hal confronting his father on his deathbed.
- The mud-drenched chaos of Agincourt, one of the most realistic medieval battles ever filmed.
- Catherine’s final confrontation with Henry, exposing the political lies that led to war.
Iconic Quotes
- Henry V (Hal): “A king has no friends. A king has only followers and foes.”
- Catherine of Valois: “You were deceived. You were lied to. Know this, Henry: all monarchy is illegitimate.”
- Falstaff: “War is bloody and soulless. But sometimes, Hal… sometimes it is necessary.”
Easter Eggs and Hidden Details
- The Dauphin’s tennis ball gift is a direct nod to Shakespeare’s Henry V.
- Falstaff’s inclusion as a major character is itself an Easter egg for Shakespeare fans, since the play killed him off early.
- The film’s muddy, unglamorous battlefields are a deliberate rejection of overly romantic medieval epics.
Trivia
- Chalamet, at 23, was one of the youngest actors to play Henry V on screen.
- Pattinson’s flamboyant take on the Dauphin was polarizing—some critics hated it, others loved it—but it gave the film an eccentric villain.
- Unlike Shakespeare, the film shows Henry as far more manipulated, framing his war as tragic rather than glorious.
Why Watch?
If you enjoy historical dramas, Shakespearean themes, and raw battle sequences, this is a must-watch. It’s not about grandeur—it’s about power, corruption, and the cost of kingship. Fans of Chalamet will also see him in one of his most commanding performances.
Director’s Other Movies
- Animal Kingdom (2010)
- The Rover (2014)
- War Machine (2017)
Recommended Films for Fans
- Macbeth (2015)
- Henry V (1989)
- Outlaw King (2018)
- Braveheart (1995)
- The Last Duel (2021)