Paul Greengrass brings back The Uprising, a harsh historical drama set in the times of England’s 1381 Peasants’ Revolt. Featuring the talents of Andrew Garfield, Jamie Bell, Cosmo Jarvis, Woody Norman, Thomasin McKenzie, and Tom Hollander, the movie makes the history into an exciting story of violence injustice rebellion, faith, and revenge. Screening in USA theatres September 11th 2026 the film was criticized for its lack of consistency among critics.
A Story Based on History
The film stars Andrew Garfield as a farmer called simply Plowman, although the character is fictional. Plowman has survived the Black Death, losing his loved ones tragically as he struggles against an ever more oppressive system of taxation and feudal authority.
When ordinary people begin to oppose the government, his personal rage becomes entangled in a much larger movement. As the story progresses he meets historical figures including the rebel leaders, Wat Tyler and John Ball, as the young King Richard II and his councilors try to suppress the rising rebellion.
Performance of Andrew Garfield
Andrew Garfield is the film’s strongest emotional anchor. Garfield’s Plowman is not your typical heroic warrior. He is a reluctant warrior, a grieving warrior, and he does not get angry until later.
His reticent performance gives the character vulnerability and humanity. Garfield makes Plowman a normal man caught up in extraordinary events, showing the audience why the rebellion is getting harder to keep under control.
Jamie Bell and Cosmo Jarvis also bring a lot of energy to the film, and Woody Norman gives an interesting performance as young Richard II.
The Visual Style of Paul Greengrass
Greengrass is famous for his documentary-style, handheld shooting methods which he extends even to a setting as far from modern-day London as the medieval England. The large crowd scenes and fights are captured in such a way that they have a dynamic, almost restless quality that makes the viewers feel as if they were right there with the rebels.
When used at its peak, such a method of filming can depict the rebellious events as wild and uncertain. The violence comes across as being deliberately severe, and the earth-stained terrain, congested urban areas and the carnage furnish a mood that is unlike the polished medieval imagery that is typically tied to historical blockbusters.
But the same style does not always work. Some critics have complained that the constant hand-held movement becomes distracting, and that the filmmaking sometimes feels more chaotic compared to immersive.
A Historical Drama of Complication
One of the strengths of this film is that it’s willing to explore the moral complexity of rebellion. The peasants fight real injustice, yet their movement is not presented as wholly heroic. As the rebellion grows , the anger and desire for revenge becomes more and more difficult to separate from the original call for justice .
The film also draws on the mythology of Robin Hood, linking its fictional hero to a legend that may resonate with audiences. It’s a fun creative choice, but it can make the historical narrative feel a little less focused.
Final Verdict
Besides being a visually ambitious historical story, which often keeps your attention with gripping moments, ‘The Uprising’ has also been called an ‘inconsistent’ film. Andrew Garfield plays the main role that is not only believable but also deeply moving, and at the same time, it is a credit to Greengrass for the way he has managed to depict the Middle Ages rebellion scene so realistically and with such violence.
If there is something ‘The Uprising‘ is not mostly successful at it is that it remains inconsistent. A blend of historical fiction, modern cinema, and Robin Hood legends is used here. But, there is some degree of awkwardness with which these elements are introduced into a single narrative which has made the critical reception of the movie quite split.
For those who are history buffs, or enjoy action movies, or like watching complex morality tales, ‘The Uprising’ will most likely be an interesting movie. Although it isn’t one of Paul Greengrass’s best movies, the very potent subject matter together with Andrew Garfield’s portrayal make it a good addition for the 2026 film line-up.
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