The King (2019): Timothée Chalamet’s Shakespearean Epic Reimagined

What is The King About?

At its heart, The King explores the journey of a reluctant prince who must embrace the weight of the crown. It follows Henry “Hal”, the wayward Prince of Wales, who shuns court life and seeks escape in taverns and friendships away from royal duty. But when his father dies and turmoil surrounds the kingdom, Hal is thrust into the role of King Henry V of England.

The story delves into:

• The burden of leadership and the personal sacrifices of becoming king.

• Court politics, betrayal, and manipulation within the royal circle.

• The brutality of medieval warfare, including the iconic Battle of Agincourt.

• Themes of truth, power, and legacy, framed through Shakespeare’s dramatic interpretation.

Rather than a traditional biopic, the film is a character-driven epic that balances political intrigue with large-scale medieval battles.

Is The King Worth Watching?

Yes — particularly for those who enjoy Shakespearean drama, epic battles, and morally complex characters.

• Timothée Chalamet’s performance as Henry V was widely praised for its restraint, intensity, and emotional depth.

• The visual design and cinematography (by Adam Arkapaw) give the film a striking, gritty medieval aesthetic.

• The score by Nicholas Britell adds an unsettling modern edge to the otherwise historical setting.

• It is both accessible to general audiences and rich with references for those familiar with Shakespeare.

While historians criticized its accuracy, the film was never meant to be a documentary — it is a dramatic reinterpretation of Shakespeare’s already fictionalized works.

Why Should I Watch The King?

• To see a Shakespearean epic reimagined for modern cinema.

• To enjoy a powerhouse cast, blending young rising stars with seasoned actors.

• For immersive battle sequences, including a visceral take on Agincourt.

• If you appreciate themes of corruption, duty, and power, explored in a character-driven way.

• To experience Nicholas Britell’s haunting score, which heightens the mood and atmosphere.

It’s a film that appeals to fans of historical dramas like Braveheart or Kingdom of Heaven, but with a sharper focus on the psychology of leadership.

Cast and Characters

• Timothée Chalamet as Henry V – The young king, torn between his past and the weight of the crown.

• Joel Edgerton as John Falstaff – A fictionalized character from Shakespeare, acting as both mentor and moral compass.

• Robert Pattinson as the Dauphin of France – Arrogant, flamboyant, and Henry’s rival.

• Lily-Rose Depp as Catherine of Valois – A French princess whose honesty becomes central to Henry’s future.

• Sean Harris as William Gascoigne – The Chief Justice, cunning and manipulative.

• Ben Mendelsohn as King Henry IV – Henry’s father, whose rule and wars shape his son’s legacy.

• Supporting cast includes Dean-Charles Chapman, Thomasin McKenzie, and Thibault de Montalembert.

Episodes / Seasons / Release Order

As a film rather than a series, The King premiered on September 2, 2019 (Venice Film Festival), followed by:

• October 11, 2019 – Limited theatrical release.

• November 1, 2019 – Global Netflix release.

Production and Development

• Origins: Initially announced in 2013, Michôd and Edgerton adapted Henry IV (Parts 1 & 2) and Henry V into a single screenplay.

• Casting: Chalamet joined in 2018, with Pattinson, Depp, Mendelsohn, and others following shortly after.

• Filming: Took place across England and Hungary from June–August 2018. Notable locations included Berkeley Castle and Lincoln Cathedral (used for Westminster Abbey).

• Music: Composer Nicholas Britell crafted a dark, modern-inspired score using bass clarinets, tape filters, and metallic sounds to emphasize the timeless weight of the story.

Reception and Critical Response

• Rotten Tomatoes: 71% positive reviews.

• Metacritic: 62/100, “generally favorable.”

• Critical Praise:

  • Chalamet’s nuanced performance.

  • The gritty, realistic battle choreography.

  • Strong supporting roles, especially Joel Edgerton and Robert Pattinson.

• Criticism:

  • Historical inaccuracies.

  • Pacing that some viewers found slow.

  • Anachronistic costuming choices.

Box Office

Though primarily a Netflix release, the film had a limited theatrical run:

• Released in South Korea and New Zealand across 43 screens.

• Earned $126,931 in box office revenue.

Its true impact came from streaming viewership worldwide, where Netflix positioned it as a prestige title.

Legacy and Impact

• The King stands as one of the most ambitious Netflix historical dramas to date.

• It revived global interest in Henry V as a cultural figure.

• Cemented Timothée Chalamet’s reputation as a serious dramatic actor capable of leading large-scale productions.

• Added to a lineage of Shakespeare adaptations, following works like Kenneth Branagh’s Henry V (1989) and Orson Welles’s Chimes at Midnight (1965).

• Sparked debate on historical accuracy, underscoring the tension between Shakespeare’s fiction and real history.

The King (2019) FAQ

Q: Is The King historically accurate?
A: Not fully. It is based more on Shakespeare’s plays than real events. Characters like John Falstaff are fictional, and major events such as the Battle of Agincourt are dramatized.

Q: Where can I watch The King?
A: The film is available for streaming on Netflix worldwide.

Q: What is the Battle of Agincourt in the film?
A: It’s one of the movie’s key sequences, portraying England’s underdog victory against France, though staged differently than history records.

Q: Who composed the music for The King?
A: Nicholas Britell, known for his work on Succession and Moonlight, composed the dark and modern-inspired score.

Q: Is this film connected to Shakespeare’s plays?
A: Yes. It adapts elements of Henry IV, Parts 1 & 2 and Henry V, reshaping them into a cohesive narrative for modern audiences.

Conclusion

The King (2019) is a brooding, visually striking, and dramatically intense reimagining of Shakespeare’s Henriad. With Timothée Chalamet’s commanding performance, Edgerton’s grounded portrayal of Falstaff, and Pattinson’s eccentric Dauphin, the film offers both spectacle and intimate character study.

While historians may bristle at its liberties, the film thrives as an epic Shakespearean drama brought into modern cinematic language, making it one of Netflix’s standout historical features.

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