Young Washington: Film Gang Review

When you hear the name George Washington, you probably picture the brave general crossing the Delaware or commanding the nation as its first president.  The film, Young Washington instead focuses on the experiences that shaped him into the leader history remembers. Directed and co-written by Jon Erwin, along with Deiderik Hoogstraten and Tom Provost, Young Washington explores the formative events that defined Washington’s character. In 1743, at just eleven years old, he loses his father to a sudden illness. His mother, played by Mary-Louise Parker, tells him he is now the man of the house. His older half-brother Lawrence, portrayed by John Foss, encourages him to learn farming but also supports Washington’s desire to continue reading and educating himself. Washington deeply admires Lawrence, who is serving in the British Army. The story then moves to the year 1755. Washington, played by William Franklyn-Miller, has followed Lawrence into military service. He is troubled to discover that the French occupy the Ohio Territory, believing that those living in the New World should have the right to its land rather than a nation thousands of miles away. Most of his British comrades, however, see the conflict very differently. Washington manages to attend a gathering at the estate of Lord Fairfax, played with commanding presence by Kelsey Grammer. There he meets Sally Cary Fairfax, portrayed by Mia Rodgers, and the two begin a brief romance. He earns Lord Fairfax’s respect through his confidence and determination, and Fairfax helps Washington secure command of a regiment sent to challenge the French. On the journey west, Washington joins forces with members of the Haudenosaunee, or Iroquois Indians, who seek justice after the French attacks on their people. Hoping to negotiate, Washington instead loses control of his inexperienced soldiers, and violence  erupts, helping to ignite the French and Indian War. After suffering heavy losses, Washington begins to question his ability to lead. He also realizes many British soldiers lack the commitment, he feels, because they are fighting for an empire across the ocean rather than for the people living in the colonies. Returning to Mount Vernon, Washington finds Lawrence dying of consumption, or tuberculosis. Before his death, Lawrence encourages him to forge his own path. It is this moment that helps Washington to embrace the idea of fighting for the rights and future of those living in the New World, planting the seeds of the independence movement that would eventually follow. William Franklyn-Miller delivers a compelling performance, capturing both Washington’s determination and vulnerability as a young leader learning from failure. The supporting cast, including Leo Hanna as Christopher Gist, Ben Kingsley as Robert Dinwiddie, and Andy Serkis as General Braddock, strengthens this engaging look at a lesser-known chapter of Washington’s life.  The film’s brisk pacing keeps the story engaging, while its score adds intensity to the battle scenes. Although the screenplay takes a few historical liberties, it remains largely faithful to the historical record. And while Young Washington is produced by Angel Studios, a company often associated with conservative-leaning films, it presents a thoughtful and balanced portrayal of the ideals that would eventually shape America’s democracy and its commitment to liberty. By Molly Sullivan