Review by Jon Donnis
Young Washington, the 2026 American epic historical war drama directed, produced and co written by Jon Erwin, arrives as a confident and unapologetic retelling of George Washington’s early years, focusing on his formative experiences during the French and Indian War between 1753 and 1755. It positions itself firmly as a story of ambition, hardship and the slow shaping of a future founding father, tracing his path from a young colonial surveyor into a military figure tested by war, loss and reputation.
What stands out immediately is how strongly the film commits to its tone. It is unapologetically patriotic, built around strong action sequences, solid storytelling and assured direction that together create an engaging historical crowd pleaser. There is a clear sense of intention behind it, an old fashioned tale of leadership and patriotism that leans into its subject without hesitation. At its best, it delivers a straightforward but compelling narrative about perseverance and duty, presenting Washington’s early struggles as a kind of proving ground where character is shaped under pressure. It also offers a glimpse of romance and captures his growing passion for his homeland, alongside a message about overcoming the odds that gives the story a familiar but effective emotional backbone. As a historical biopic it remains accessible and well crafted, charting the maturation of a figure who would later become central to the identity of a nation. The overall result is a film that feels like a history lesson designed for broad appeal, and one that remains consistently watchable throughout.
William Franklyn Miller delivers the film’s most arresting performance as George Washington, carrying much of the narrative weight with a grounded intensity that holds the story together. Around him, the supporting cast also contributes strongly, with Ben Kingsley as Robert Dinwiddie, Andy Serkis as Edward Braddock, Joel Smallbone as George William Fairfax, Kelsey Grammer as Thomas Fairfax, Mary Louise Parker as Mary Ball Washington, Mia Rodgers as Sally Fairfax, Jonno Davies as James Mackay, John Foss as Lawrence Washington, Michael Benz as Thomas Gage, Leo Hanna as Christopher Gist and Clement Toyon as Joseph Jumonville all giving performances that help maintain the film’s dramatic momentum.
There is relatively little to criticise in terms of ambition, though its runtime does push over two hours, which makes it quite long and occasionally more drawn out than it needs to be. That said, it never fully loses pace, even when it lingers in its more reflective moments.
Taken as a whole, Young Washington is an excellent film that balances entertainment with historical drama, even if it is not always precise in its accuracy. It is the kind of film that critics will likely dismiss due to its lack of wokeness, its patriotic tone and its unapologetic approach to American history, while general audiences are more likely to respond positively to its straightforward storytelling and strong central performance. It presents itself as a celebration of resilience and early leadership, and in doing so it commits fully to its perspective without hesitation.
Score: 9.5 out of 10
Out Now in Cinemas.
