Paul Greengrass’s new film, *The Uprising*, released in UK and Irish cinemas on October 9, 2026, revisits the 1381 Peasants’ Revolt with a blend of historical drama and contemporary resonance. Set in post-Black Death England, the film explores the social and political turmoil under the young King Richard II, who, at just 14 years old, is largely sidelined in governance by a regency council. The council, facing financial hardship, imposes heavy taxes on the already burdened common people, sparking a rebellion led by figures including the warrior Wat Tyler and the radical preacher John Ball.

Andrew Garfield stars as a fictional ploughman who ignites the uprising, motivated by personal loss and anger at the exploitive tax regime. His character, while not historically documented, serves as a symbolic focal point, drawing parallels to the notion of Robin Hood, though critics note the film’s epilogue awkwardly links the revolt to this English folk hero despite historical inaccuracies.

Greengrass applies his signature handheld, documentary-style cinematography throughout the film, which critics describe as both invigorating and, at times, disorienting. The action sequences are intense and bloodied, reflecting the brutal nature of the insurrection, while the film’s muted palette emphasizes the grim atmosphere of medieval England ravaged by plague and oppression.

The cast includes Tom Hollander as Sir Robert Hales, the Lord High Treasurer who enforces the harsh taxation policies, Jamie Bell as John Ball, and Woody Norman portraying the young King Richard II. Their performances have drawn praise for capturing the tense dynamics within the ruling class and the complex loyalties of the time. Katherine Waterston also appears as Joan of Kent, the king’s mother, providing a composed counterpoint to the chaos.

While the film’s portrayal of the peasants' revolt is marked by dramatic liberties, it aims to highlight themes of resistance against tyranny and economic injustice, resonating with modern audiences familiar with social upheaval. However, some reviewers find the closing sequence—a mythical transformation of the ploughman character into a Robin Hood-like figure—unsatisfying, describing it as tonally inconsistent and undercutting the film’s otherwise stark realism.

In summary, *The Uprising* offers a muscular yet somber depiction of one of medieval England’s most significant popular revolts. It balances a commitment to historical events with creative storytelling, though opinions differ on how effectively it conveys its broader message about rebellion, loyalty, and legacy.