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The Death of Robin Hood review: Hugh Jackman leads a bleak, brutal, and boring re-imagining of the outlaw
It's impossible to watch The Death of Robin Hood and not think of Logan. Both films star Hugh Jackman, and both mar his leading-man good looks with old age makeup, scars, and mangy facial hair. In each, he plays an anti-hero whose legend is one of noble heroism but whose reality is a trail of senseless carnage. And in both, his withered humanity is revived by protecting an orphaned girl. In this comparison, The Death of Robin Hood only suffers.
SEE ALSO: A24's 'The Death of Robin Hood' trailer teases a dark spin on the classic taleLogan co-writer and director James Mangold created an emotionally rich drama, punctuated by breathtaking action sequences that showed new potential for superhero films viewed through a revisionist lens. The Death of Robin Hood's writer/director Michael Sarnoski, who has previously made the superb slow-burn thriller Pig and the awful horror prequel A Quiet Place: Day One, pursues a similar goal in re-interpreting the folk legend renowned for robbing from the rich and giving to the poor. But his interpretation lacks complexity, offering in its place much brooding, after a first act overstuffed with truly repulsive onscreen violence.
There is an attempt at balance, as Sarnoski introduces female characters meant to be a soft and compassionate foil to Robin and his not-so-merry men's brutality. But that feels frustratingly reductive and shallow.
What is The Death of Robin Hood about? Credit: Aidan Monaghan / A24Set around 1247 A.D., this trudging drama begins on the side of a mountain, where cold winds roar across a treacherously frozen terrain. There, a haggard old man lives determinedly alone. This is Robin Hood (Jackman), an outlaw whose thievery has been praised because of the tales of how he redistributed the wealth to aid the poor. But — as the tagline for the film declares — he was no hero.
Over and over, any chance this Robin Hood gets, he will grumble that those were lies. He and his Little John (an equally grumbly Bill Skarsgård) robbed, maimed, and murdered so many men, women, and children that he cannot remember their names or faces. So, now, he hides in isolation, apathetically fending off would-be killers who are seeking vengeance for crimes he cannot recall. It's a grim beginning, and it will only get grimmer.
When Little John returns to him, asking for help in fighting off a family that has stolen his land and kidnapped his wife, Robin begrudgingly agrees, noting they both might die. His tone even suggests that's Robin's wish, to just be over with it all. Still, he'll battle hard for his friend, slaying not only the invading men but also employing his legendary archery skills to shoot a fleeing child through the back of his skull and left eye.
The sound effects chosen for such moments of violence pull no punches, offering sharp cracks of bone, wretched tearing of flesh, and the squish of internal organs ripped asunder. It's stomach-churningly effective in hitting home how efficient Robin is at delivering carnage. By the end of the first act, not only have Little John's foes been felled but Robin himself has too, following a gross and grisly battle of blood, muck, and fire. To the credit of cinematographer Pat Scola, such scenes of violence are both beautiful and horrid. His shots make clear the agony and injury, but play these fights off a backdrop of blazing fire and night sky. The contrast is dizzying and exciting. But soon, this contrast and conflict will be moved to a far-off island, the colors shifting from brown and orange to grays and radiant blues.
At an ancient priory, a gorgeous nun called Sister Brigid (Jodie Comer) offers aid to the ailing. She's taken in Robin Hood, unaware of his identity. (He tells her his name is Randolf). As his wounds heal, Little John's only child, Little Margaret (Faith Delaney), arrives on the island, orphaned and traumatized. Though at first Robin only wished to die, and failing that, to escape this blissful place of restoration, he is slowly enchanted by Brigid's compassion and by Little Margaret's thirst for a father figure. Reluctantly befriending a persistent leper (Murray Bartlett), Robin begins to consider if this might be "another life" for him — when yet another vengeance-seeking stranger turns up at the priory.
The Death of Robin Hood is an unpleasant and cynical slog, despite a promising cast. Credit: Aidan Monaghan / A24Like Logan, The Death of Robin Hood functions like a revisionist Western, wherein the lifelong gunslinger looks back on his journey and wonders if all the blood he's spilled can ever be washed clean. Put another way, can a man of violence ever become a man of peace?
Intellectually, there's something interesting in this cliche. However, Jackman's portrayal in The Death of Robin Hood feels like an echo of his achingly poignant work in Logan, but with less rage and thus less energy. Plus, Sarnoski's approach is dull and episodic. Again and again, someone will ask Robin if he recalls a particular act of violence, and he shrugs his heavy shoulders in response, his expression world-weary. And then the person explains how Robin's actions hurt them personally, to which Robin gives an inscrutable stare in response, over and over.
It's a tedious way to establish Robin's cruelty. More irksome, he only starts to care about the consequences of his actions once he falls for the lovely nun. While Comer is a critically acclaimed actress thanks to her bold and brilliant performances in Killing Eve, The Bikeriders, and The Last Duel, she — like Jackman — cannot elevate Sarnoski's shallow script, which reduces men and women to archaic archetypes. For instance, to illustrate that Sister Brigid has desires beyond being a loving nurse to the sick and mother to the orphaned, Sarnoski includes a bizarre scene where she sneaks off at night to a cave to masturbate by candlelight. How else could he possibly show a woman could be spiritual and sexual?
Little Margaret is similarly underwritten, existing chiefly to follow Robin like a sullen shadow with the sad eyes of a Margaret Keane painting. Noah Jupe, who earned praise last year for playing Hamlet in Hamnet, is compelling in a brief role as a boy on the brink of a pivotal decision. To Bartlett's credit, he brings some levity as a leper who talks with fearless sass, even though he knows Robin's true identity and wickedness. But with much of his face covered by bandages and, later, rotting prosthetics, his charisma is almost completely swallowed. Essentially, though most of the other characters exist to balance Robin's unrelentingly grim brooding, the balance is off. So, much of the movie is a muck of unrelenting maudlin reflection, undercutting any attempt at hope of rising above.
Most frustratingly, from beginning to end, I couldn't get a grip on the why of it all. Not why in terms of Robin Hood's cruelty or ruefulness, but why re-imagine a figure upheld as a rebel for fairness and community as one of careless violence, unchecked cruelty, and selfishness?
Sarnoski's past films were a more successful mix of darkness and light, offering hardened heroes who fought for joy or love, even as they understood full well the world around them was merciless and cruel. Here, however, we start with a protagonist who is merciless and cruel, and the only reason we are given to follow him, to invest in his journey, is that he is played by Hugh Jackman. Beyond that, this deeply cynical spin on the legend of Robin Hood has no discernible message beyond some trite platitude of the power of second chances. Despite its star-studded cast, and a powerful blend of hard-hitting sound effects and jolting on-camera violence, The Death of Robin Hood feels politically, spiritually, and emotionally hollow.
9 underrated Android features you're probably not using enough
Your Android phone is filled with a wealth of features meant to make your life easier and more efficient. However, many of these highly helpful tools often go unnoticed, staying hidden in plain sight, but if you knew how much more convenient your phone could be, you’d be shocked.
All of Apples iPads are on sale ahead of Prime Day, but were waiting for bigger savings
Is your summer travel booked? If you're getting ready to jet set or hit the road but don't want to lug your laptop around, then it might be time to consider a tablet. Our favorites for performance and overall value are Apple's iPads. So with Prime Day quickly approaching, running from June 23 to 26, we're looking for the best deals on Apple's tablets.
We're still about two weeks out from Prime Day, but iPads are already on sale. Don't get too excited, though. While we found deals on every single iPad model, the markdowns are pretty minor. The good news is, if you need an iPad before Prime Day, you don't need to buy one at full price. Bad news is, you should probably wait until Prime Day for the best savings.
SEE ALSO: A Prime Day Apple deals primer: How low prices will go on AirPods, iPads, and MacBooksBut if you need an iPad now, here are the best deals to shop ahead of Prime Day.
Best early Prime Day iPad deal Opens in a new window Credit: Apple Apple iPad, 11-inch (A16, 128GB, WiFi) $299.99 at Amazon$349 Save $49.01 Get Deal
While we love the iPad Air and think it's the best tablet money can buy, the basic iPad with A16 chip is still a stellar tablet. The 11th-generation model is a speedy tablet perfect for streaming, internet browsing, reading, and gaming. It's a great value at full price and even better when on sale.
Right now, get the 11th-generation iPad with A16 chip for just $299.99, bringing the tablet under $300. It's not the best price on the iPad, but it is just $25.99 away from its lowest price, so not bad. Need something more advanced? Well, there are more iPad deals on the Air and Pro to explore, too.
iPad Mini dealsApple iPad Mini, 8.3-inch (A17 Pro, 128GB, WiFi) — $474 $499 (save $25)
Apple iPad Air, 11-inch (M4, 128GB, WiFi) — $559 $599 (save $40)
Apple iPad Air, 13-inch (M4, 128GB, WiFi) — $749 $799 (save $50)
Apple iPad Pro, 11-inch (M5, 256GB, WiFi) — $936.50 $999 (save $62.50)
Apple iPad Pro, 13-inch (M5, 256GB, WiFi) — $1,220 $1,299 (save $79)
Get a monitor mount for under $20 with this exclusive discount code
An advertiser paid for editorial consideration of this deal. Our editorial experts vetted the deal using their independent expertise. Because we determined that the deal will save money for the consumer, we wrote the content.
TL;DR: Mashable readers can get the HUANUO FlowLift Pro Monitor Arm for $15.89 after clipping the Amazon coupon and applying code OFORSXRF.
Opens in a new window Credit: HUANUO HUANUO FlowLift Pro Monitor Arm $15.89 at Amazon$49.99 Save $34.10 Use code OFORSXRF Get Deal
Prime Day is rapidly approaching, and it's a great time to stock up on new tech. Level up your desk setup with a new monitor arm that's heavily discounted.
The HUANUO FlowLift Pro Monitor Arm typically retails for $49.99, but Mashable readers can snag it for just $15.89 by clipping the on-page Amazon coupon and using the code OFORSXRF at checkout.
The FlowLift Pro is compatible with 13-inch to 32-inch screens and has a max load of 19.8 pounds. It features smooth adjustment and positioning without any sagging. Find a view that's comfortable for you with a max height of 16.5 inches, 90-degree rotation, 90-degree swivel, and +85-degree/-25-degree tilt. It has a quick-release design, so popping your monitor into place is a breeze.
5 new shows to watch this weekend across Netflix, Hulu, and more (June 12-14)
Most of the shows that premiered last week, including Apple TV's Cape Fear, were new to their respective streaming services. This week, three returning shows highlight the top shows to watch this weekend. Two of the returning shows will conclude after their fifth seasons. The other show, streaming on Netflix, has not been renewed just yet.
3 genuinely useful Excel projects to try this weekend (June 12-14)
A quiet afternoon is the perfect excuse to build practical Excel tools that organize your hobbies, bills, and budget. These three guided projects show how a handful of formulas, tables, and formatting rules can transform a blank worksheet into practical tools that fit around your lifestyle.
Google Antigravity 2.0 replaced the IDE behind a chatbot—but you can get it back
Working in a developer environment shouldn't feel like talking to a chatbot. When Google released Antigravity 2.0, it replaced the entire workspace with a chat-first window that hides your file tree, strips out the terminal panels, and boots you straight into an agent dashboard most developers never asked for. This is not the interface I ditched VS Code for, and it bothers me.
Arris Surfboard isn't the best modem anymore—and the multi-gig upgrade I use instead
For years, the Arris Surfboard has been the default pick for modems—the one you bought to ditch your ISP's rental fee and never think about again. And it definitely earned that reputation. The Surfboard lineup, especially the SB8200 and S33, has been rock solid for a lot of people.
Why I ditched paid productivity apps for this free open-source alternative
Are you frustrated with free productivity apps offering bare-bones functionality? Or annoyed by paying a monthly fee for apps that fail to make you any more productive? Well, say hello to Super Productivity—a free app boasting powerful features that’ll put premium alternatives to shame!
These are the 5 safest car brands in 2026 according to Consumer Reports
Safety has become one of the biggest battlegrounds in the automotive industry, with automakers packing their vehicles full of advanced driver-assistance systems and crash-protection technology. However, not every brand delivers the same level of protection across its lineup, making brand-wide consistency just as important as the safety credentials of any single model.
Cash App now has cell service—here's how it compares to mobile rivals
Cash App is going beyond payments to become a cell carrier. The company has introduced Cash App Mobile, a service that offers unlimited 5G for a flat $40 per month — plus the promise of tie-ins with financial tools you might already use.
Waymo now has a Premier service for loyal robotaxi riders—here's what you get
If you're one of Waymo's most devoted fans, you're about to be rewarded—provided you're willing to pay. The robotaxi service has launched a $30 per month Premier plan that offers exclusive parks for frequent riders.
Maximize Efficiency with 4 Portable Apps on a Compact USB Drive
I had a rather strange idea the other day. I've already been using USB drives for portable versions of apps for a long time. I also use them for storing ISO files and (obviously) storage for in-progress files.
Toyota aims to bring electric SUVs into the mainstream with the affordable CH-R
or years, one of the biggest obstacles preventing electric vehicles from becoming truly mainstream has been affordability. While EV technology has improved rapidly, many electric SUVs still carry price tags that place them well beyond the reach of the average buyer. As a result, shoppers looking for a practical family vehicle have often found themselves sticking with traditional gas-powered crossovers.
I stopped fighting hotel Wi-Fi and built my own instead
Connecting your devices to hotel Wi-Fi is no fun, thanks in large part to those tedious Wi-Fi login pages. Fortunately, there's a way to only have to go through the process once, no matter how many devices you have. You just need to sneakily connect your own Wi-Fi network, and to do that, all you need is the right piece of kit.
5 criminally underrated Windows apps I only found after using Linux
I spent years on Windows without ever hearing about these apps. Then, when I switched to Linux—because so many mainstream apps don't have Linux versions—I was forced to go looking for alternatives. This is how I discovered some of the most powerful FOSS (Free, Open Source Software) apps that were a staple in the Linux ecosystem. And the most surprising bit is that all of these apps are cross-platform and work just as well on Windows—beating many paid apps.
Reddit rolls out video comments
Do you prefer recording a quick video to writing a text? If so, you'll really like what Reddit just unveiled.
Reddit announced the launch of video comments for all of its users on Thursday. The feature allows any Redditor to upload or record a short-form video reply right in the comments of any post in Reddit communities or subreddits.
Reddit users were already able to comment with text, images, and GIFs. Now, they can reply with video too.
“We are continually evolving Reddit to deliver a more immersive and authentic human experience," said Reddit's Chief Product Officer Maria Angelidou-Smith. "The ability to reply with video gives users more creative ways to engage in communities they love."
SEE ALSO: AI is fueling Reddit's spam problemWith the new feature, Reddit users will see a video icon alongside the existing image and GIF icon options in the comment box. Clicking on the video icon will allow users to either upload an existing video or record a new video right there in the comment box.
According to Reddit, videos in comments will not play automatically. Reddit's safety systems will also check video comments before they are posted.
The company says a community must be listed as public and "suitable-for-work (SFW)" to be eligible for video comments.
Unlike other social platforms, Reddit has a large number of users that prefer complete anonymity. However, there's no requirement that the video posted in a comment be created by a user — so the feature can easily become simply yet another way to post a meme response, this time in video form.
As an example, Reddit shared a link to a video AMA with Mel C. from the Spice Girls that was conducted two months ago on the platform. The AMA utilized the video in comments feature before it rolled out to all users. In other words, Reddit is promoting at least one way they hope the feature is used.
OpenAI may slash subscription prices to compete with Anthropic
OpenAI is considering massive product-wide price cuts to address industry concerns and keep up with the rising popularity of competitor AI companies, according to the Wall Street Journal.
Speaking to anonymous insiders, the publication reported that the Sam Altman-led company is debating reducing subscription usage costs to retain its customer base — competitors like Anthropic are reportedly debating the same move.
According to those close to the company, this may include lowering costs for highly sought after tokens, a response to an ebbing trend among tech companies known as "tokenmaxxing" or the burning out of processing tokens (and entire corporate budgets) in order to boost the productivity of their AI products.
SEE ALSO: New safety rules for under-16 Snapchat usersAccording to the Wall Street Journal, business executives across the industry have criticized AI costs. Altman recently said that high prices are a "a huge issue" for the company, but the decision hasn't been finalized just yet, insiders told the Journal. Meanwhile, investors are also beginning to cool on AI, amid ebbing stock market numbers from major players like Nvidia.
Still, OpenAI is making moves to become a more profit-driven company. On Monday, OpenAI officially announced it was filing for an IPO, with a yet-undetermined timeline. Industry rumors suggest OpenAI could go public as early as September and could be valued at $1 trillion. Anthropic also recently filed for public status, suggesting the AI price wars are only just getting started.
Disclosure: Ziff Davis, Mashable’s parent company, in April 2025 filed a lawsuit against OpenAI, alleging it infringed Ziff Davis copyrights in training and operating its AI systems.
The Knicks historic comeback broke the internet
For roughly two hours Wednesday night, Knicks fans collectively prepared for heartbreak.
By halftime of Game 4, Madison Square Garden was on edge, social media was melting down, and the Spurs looked poised to even out the score of the NBA Finals.
Then the Knicks pulled off the largest comeback in NBA Finals history.
New York erased a 29-point deficit, beat San Antonio 107-106 on an OG Anunoby tip-in with 1.2 seconds remaining, and moved one win away from its first championship since 1973.
This Tweet is currently unavailable. It might be loading or has been removed.The result transformed social media from a digital wake into a rolling highlight reel of celebration, as videos of Knicks fans screaming in bars and on city streets flooded timelines.
This Tweet is currently unavailable. It might be loading or has been removed.Here are some of the biggest moments from Game 4, both on the court and online.
OG Anunoby's game-winner instantly became the play of the nightFor most of the fourth quarter, social media was busy trying to process how the Knicks had climbed back into the game. Then Anunoby gave everyone something else to talk about.
With seconds remaining, the Knicks forward tipped in the go-ahead basket, sending Madison Square Garden into a frenzy. Within minutes, timelines were full of every possible angle of the play, from television broadcasts and slow-motion replays to fan-shot footage captured from the upper deck — and Ben Stiller's courtside iPhone.
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As the comeback gained momentum, cameras repeatedly cut to celebrity fans sitting courtside, including Timothée Chalamet, Taylor Swift, Spike Lee, and Mariska Hargitay, who collectively lifted Donald Trump's curse. Their reactions quickly became viral content in their own right, with clips spreading across social media almost as quickly as game highlights. Who will ever be able to forget Taylor Swift's white-girl dancing to Jalen Brunson's three-pointer? Or Larry David's near heart attack over Josh Hart's missed layup in the fourth?
This Tweet is currently unavailable. It might be loading or has been removed. This Tweet is currently unavailable. It might be loading or has been removed. This Tweet is currently unavailable. It might be loading or has been removed. Madison Square Garden completely lost its mindMSG quickly became the center of the internet's attention. Fans posted videos from every level of the arena, capturing everything from the mounting stress before the Knicks' comeback to the chaos that followed Anunoby's game-winner. While television cameras focused on the court, fans documented the comeback from every imaginable angle, creating a crowdsourced record of the historic night.
This Tweet is currently unavailable. It might be loading or has been removed. This Tweet is currently unavailable. It might be loading or has been removed. This Tweet is currently unavailable. It might be loading or has been removed. This Tweet is currently unavailable. It might be loading or has been removed. This Tweet is currently unavailable. It might be loading or has been removed. The celebrations spilled out into New York CityThe final buzzer marked the beginning of another wave of viral content.
Videos posted throughout the night showed fans — like New York City mayor Zohran Mamdani — erupting inside bars, chanting in the streets, and celebrating well after the game ended. For a few hours, timelines became a live feed of New York City's collective joy.
This Tweet is currently unavailable. It might be loading or has been removed. This Tweet is currently unavailable. It might be loading or has been removed. This Tweet is currently unavailable. It might be loading or has been removed. This Tweet is currently unavailable. It might be loading or has been removed. This Tweet is currently unavailable. It might be loading or has been removed. The memes arrived almost immediatelyNo major sports moment is complete without memes, and Game 4 produced plenty. Social media users compared Anunoby's game-winner to everything from classical works of art to scenes from the viral thriller Obsession, while others turned Victor Wembanyama's reaction into an instant meme format. Knicks fans also resurfaced years-old posts from Josh Hart to spur up some momentum.
In the hours after the final buzzer, timelines became a mix of celebration, disbelief, and attempts to explain the inexplicable through increasingly absurd references.
This Tweet is currently unavailable. It might be loading or has been removed. This Tweet is currently unavailable. It might be loading or has been removed. This Tweet is currently unavailable. It might be loading or has been removed. This Tweet is currently unavailable. It might be loading or has been removed.The Knicks still need one more win to secure their first NBA championship in more than five decades. But regardless of what happens next, Game 4 already feels destined to live on as one of those rare internet moments that transcends sports.
7 best streaming original movies of 2026 (so far)
Most lists like this consist of theatrically released movies, but we are nine years deep into the era of streaming original movies being nominated for Oscars, and there’s still the sense that “real movies” go straight to theaters. That conclusion is absurd.


