When things are at their worst, sometimes you need a ‘Miracle’.
Set in 14th Century England, The Uprising follows the Ploughman (Andrew Garfield), a simple farmer who becomes the leader of a violent rebellion against the tyranny of King Richard II. Based on true events, the people grew tired of the King’s oppressive taxes, pleading with him to give them grace. However, as things continue to grow more toxic, the people decide to rise up against his rule. Claiming that the King will grant them a ‘Miracle’, the revolt will change the course of history as the people join forces to gain their freedom.
Directed by Paul Greengrass, The Uprising is a swashbuckling historical epic that has the elements to win the day but doesn’t entirely cross the finish line. Greengrass understands how to generate an action scene and he uses those techniques (mostly) successfully here. Even so, one of Uprising’s greatest strengths is Garfield himself.
As the unnamed Ploughman, Garfield is focused and furious. It’s rare to see the oft-affable actor unleash his vicious side but Greengrass gives him every opportunity to do so. Whether he’s running into the heart of the fray or using his scythe to sever limbs, there’s something… more to his performance here that elevates the film. Without offering the character a name, Garfield’s Ploughman could be anyone.
And this decision is deliberate.
After all, by building the character on the back of his profession, we are never tied to any particular historical figure. He is not intended to be someone that we can look up on the internet and explore what made them the way they are. (Although, without giving any spoilers, the film does hint at a much larger lore.) Instead, Garfield’s Ploughman becomes a metaphor for the everyman; a person who simply takes the opportunity to stand up against oppression.
That’s clearly Greengrass’ endgame here as much of the film wrestles with when is the right time to rise up. (After all, the film is called The Uprising.) As the king imposes increasingly higher tariffs taxes on the people, the Ploughman is just one of many who has had enough. And they’re ready to take matters into their own hands.
Yet they remain torn on how to do so. For some, the best way to change things remains working within the system. For others, it’s through violence. These differing ideologies cause tension between the people as they attempt to figure out the right course of action. (And, frankly, it’s fascinating to see how both sides defend their actions through the lens of their religious beliefs.)
But one thing is certain: something must be done.
Admittedly, Greengrass isn’t subtle in his filmmaking as Uprising becomes a thinly-veiled metaphor for the current political situation. And, actually, there’s nothing wrong with that approach either. Greengrass has always been a visceral filmmaker who loves to throw the audience into the heart of the beast itself. There’s something honest about his willingness to put his heart on his sleeve in a film of this nature. From the opening moments, we understand his point of view and it manages to keep things simple for the viewer.
Further, his constantly moving cameras add an element of chaos to each battle scene. In doing so, Greengrass enlivens his uprising with intensity and flourish. (Though, to be fair, his over-reliance on them can also become distracting.) Every severed limb and pierced flesh is felt by the viewer, who remains immersed within their confrontations. This is a film that opens like a shotgun blast and builds towards an intense and violent finale.
Ironically, however, if there’s an issue with The Uprising, it stems from the film’s pacing. Although Uprising starts and ends with force, the middle hour of the piece slows the film down considerably, pulling the viewer out of the moment. Yes, there are fascinating conversations about faith and resistance. And yes, performances are solid. However, there is also a sense the film loses its heat by dragging its heels along the way. In essence, while historical epics have often taken their time with their storytelling, Uprising simply feels too long.
That’s not to say that The Uprising isn’t an enjoyable epic. Built upon the back of Garfield’s ferocity, Greengrass builds a world that gets you invested. However, it’s the film’s meandering middle section that prevents it from becoming something truly memorable.
The Uprising is available in theatres on Thursday, September 10th, 2026.
