The Kid Who Would Be King

The British fantasy adventure movie, The Kid Who Would Be King, released in 2019, is a captivating tale that masterfully meshes the timeless legend of King Arthur and his iconic sword, Excalibur, with a contemporary setting. Directed and written by Joe Cornish, the film stars a talented cast including, Louis Ashbourne Serkis (son of acclaimed actor Andy Serkis), Denise Gough, and Dean Chaumoo.

The film revolves around the life of young Alex (Louis Ashbourne Serkis), who leads an ordinary and unassuming life in modern-day England. Alex is a typical schoolboy fraught with the usual concerns of school, bullying, and navigating through his early teenage years, apart from dealing with the emotional toll of a broken family. He is bullied at school alongside his best friend Bedders (Dean Chaumoo), and their existence is far from extraordinary.

However, things take a dramatic turn when Alex stumbles upon an inconspicuous piece of metal at a construction site, which turns out to be the legendary Excalibur, King Arthur's sword. In doing so, he unwittingly draws himself into a centuries-old battle against a supernatural enemy, the wicked sorceress Morgana (Rebecca Ferguson). Morgana, who has dwelt beneath the earth for centuries awaiting the stars' alignment, now threatens to overthrow the world and plunge it into darkness.

With the discovery of the sword, Alex is suddenly thrust from his unremarkable life into a mythical one. He is guided by an eccentric young wizard Merlin (Angus Imrie), who also has a fascinating older alter ego played by Sir Patrick Stewart. Merlin helps Alex and his friends understand the gravitas of their situation and the role they play in it.

The themes of bravery, friendship, and loyalty are prominent throughout the movie as Alex sets about recruiting a team of knights, which include his best friend, his bullies Lance (Tom Taylor) and Kaye (Rhianna Dorris), and making unlikely allies. His mission is to protect the world from Morgana's malevolence, restore harmony and along the way, he also learns the true essence of leadership and responsibility.

The narrative is enriched by fantasy-laced action sequences that keep the audience thrilled and intrigued. While the backdrop is infused with a mythical aura, it also seamlessly retains its modern-day essence with schools, neighborhoods, and the English countryside, providing a charming contrast that enhances the narrative's appeal.

The performances turned in by the young cast are commendable. Louis Ashbourne Serkis gives a matured and believable performance as the boy tasked with saving the world, the backbone of the story. The chemistry among the young cast is remarkable and authentically conveys their roller-coaster ride of self-discovery sprinkled with courage, fear, and camaraderie. Imrie’s quirky portrayal of a young Merlin—complete with secret magical hand gestures—and Stewart’s regal elder Merlin act are delightful, adding a dash of humor and old-world wisdom.

The director Joe Cornish, who previously helmed films like Attack the Block, again showcases his knack for combining fantasy and reality in a captivating manner. The cinematography wonderfully captures the cozy English suburbs as well as the grandeur of Arthurian landscapes. The special effects, especially the ones used to manifest Morgana's magical powers and the representation of Merlin's wizardry, are brilliantly executed, enhancing the overall visual appeal of the film.

The Kid Who Would Be King works to breathe new life into the age-old Arthurian legend, presenting it from a fresh perspective — that of a young boy and his friends in modern Britain. It accentuates the fact that heroes come in all shapes and sizes, wrapped beautifully in a package of fantasy, adventure, and charming, yet relatable characters.

It's an enchanting family-friendly flick with an engaging plot, interspersed with liberal doses of humor, action, and heartfelt moments. After all, who doesn't love a story where unlikely heroes arise from obscurity to save the day? This film is a perfect blend of ancient magic meeting modern times and is definitely a delightful watch for both children and adults.