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‘the winter king’ review: mgm+’s king arthur series struggles to hit that ‘game of thrones’ sweet spot.

Iain De Caestecker ('Agents of S.H.I.E.L.D.') leads a revisionist take based on Bernard Cornwell's novels.

By Angie Han

Television Critic

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The first time we see Arthur (Iain De Caestecker) in MGM+’s The Winter King , he looks nothing like the wise and noble ruler of myth. He looks, in fact, a right mess: eyes bulging, jaw slack, forehead black with blood. As the camera zooms out of the close-up, we see he’s clutching his brother’s corpse in the middle of a battlefield, so shaken he can hardly find his own legs to stand.

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That The Winter King has too few of these is not for lack of trying. Adapting Bernard Cornwell’s books, creators Kate Brooke and Ed Whitmore strip away the tales’ most fanciful aspects — the exalted Excalibur becomes a shabby forgotten blade, albeit one spotlighted with indulgent lens flare — and ground its characters in a more plausible historical context. In this telling, Arthur is an unloved bastard son exiled from his home land of Dumnonia by his father, the High King Uther (Eddie Marsan), only to return years later to protect Uther’s new heir, Arthur’s half-brother Mordred. And Arthur’s path is just one of several. Intersecting with his arc are those of Nimue (Ellie James), a young druidess, and Derfel (Stuart Campbell in a terrible blond wig), an aspiring warrior, both orphans watched over by Merlin (Nathaniel Martello-White) in the idyllic hamlet of Avalon.

Early episodes struggle to strike a balance between the sweeping scale of inter-kingdom wars in the fifth century and the more personal journeys of its lead characters. Its clumsy solution is lots of expository dialogue to explain everything from Dumnonia’s waning strength against the invading Saxon forces to just how smart everyone agrees Arthur is. The sheer amount of ground being covered — the premiere, directed by Otto Bathurst, spans eight years — forces the series to sprint through plot points that might benefit from some breathing room. If a previously healthy-looking major character starts coughing, you can bet he’ll be dead within minutes.

Once the table-setting is out of the way, though, The Winter King is able to slow down enough to find its own groove. Promising themes begin to take shape around the third episode, like the tension between traditional paganism and newfangled Christianity, or the weight of destiny. For all of Merlin’s confidence as he instructs Nimue on the will of the gods, he finds himself defying them when his heart demands it; for all the characters’ skepticism of the old ways, they still turn to ancient rituals (up to and including human sacrifice) for the moments that matter most.

Yet there’s never enough tension over whether Arthur’s efforts will prove successful. The Winter King paints him as practically superhuman in his knack for always being right and just and seeing five moves ahead. De Caestecker meets this challenge by projecting strength through stillness. He plays Arthur as a man secure in his own abilities, who can channel drama or strength when they’re called for but who otherwise prioritizes careful observation and deliberate action over impulse or bluster. (At least for now — the impending arrival of Jordan Alexandra’s Guinevere could yet reveal a more passionate side in the second half of the season.)

But Arthur is most compelling when he’s not the perfect stoic hero, when he’s allowed to be warm or unsure or even plain wrong. Aside from that bloody opening, Arthur’s most disarming scene comes when he and his sister, the spiritually gifted Morgan (Valene Kane), reminisce about the mother they lost in childhood. Arthur recalls her as “the most beautiful, clever and wonderful mother a boy could wish for”; Morgan remembers her as a cold woman who took no pleasure in her son. Arthur’s reserve has made him something of a cipher to this point, but the exchange hints at the eager and uncertain boy he must have been once. It’s a rare moment in which we can see what the The Winter King so wants to show us: not Arthur as an infallible legend, but Arthur as simply a man.

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‘The Winter King’ Brings the Legend of King Arthur to Life, but Keeps Its Heroes Two-Dimensional: TV Review

By Alison Herman

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The setup of “The Winter King” is only fully in place after a couple of hourlong episodes, a lengthy preamble weighed down with exposition. Eventually, a dynamic emerges: From his years abroad, Arthur has acquired progressive ideas, like his opposition to human sacrifice and a plan for a united Britain that he intends to implement as de facto regent for his newborn half-brother Mordred. Comically, Arthur’s modern bent is conveyed through his hairstyle: Most of the other male characters wear long, period-appropriate locks, while Arthur sports a close-cut, contemporary fade.

Depicting Arthur from Derfel’s point of view both obscures Arthur’s inner life and traps the show in a clichéd coming-of-age story. Seen from the outside, Arthur is an enlightened, almost messianic figure, working the fields side by side with his people and swearing he hates war even though he’s never lost a battle. Neither the script nor De Caesteck- er’s performance illuminates any depth beneath the persona. Derfel, saddled with some awkward accent work by Campbell, idolizes Arthur and pines for Nimue (Ellie James), Merlin’s protégé and a young druidess sworn to celibacy.

“The Winter King” takes place long before Arthur marries Guinevere, who’s set to appear in the back half of the season, and before Mordred matures into his older sibling’s nemesis. But for all its intriguing ideas about the decline of paganism or the birth of a national identity, the series fails to make its protagonists as realistic as its setting. “The Winter King” wants to make the sixth century feel real, yet its heroes are still the stuff of fable.

“The Winter King” premieres on MGM+ at 9pm on Aug. 20, with new episodes airing weekly on Sundays.

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'The Winter King' Review: Arthurian Legends Are Reborn in Sprawling War Epic Series

MGM+'s adaptation of Bernard Cornwell's novel stars Iain De Caestecker as King Arthur.

The Big Picture

• The Winter King is a realistic and epic adaptation of Bernard Cornwell's Arthurian legend, emphasizing historical context over fantastical elements.
• Iain De Caestecker delivers a captivating portrayal of Arthur, a reluctant ruler and loyal warrior who successfully conveys years of battling armies.
• While the series improves upon Cornwell's treatment of female characters, it still employs rape as a plot device, an unfortunate trend in adaptations of fantasy novels from a different era.

The last two decades of television have delivered an absolute lion’s share of Arthurian legends brought to life. Each series has had its own unique style, from the quirky humor of Merlin to the sex appeal of Camelot , though none are quite like MGM+’s epic new adaptation of Bernard Cornwell ’s The Winter King . While the series is rife with pagan mysticism, it is far more focused on being rooted in the realism of its historical context. Though the pagan priestesses and even Merlin ( Nathaniel Martello-White ) may have intuitive foresight, they are not all-powerful beings capable of otherworldly magic. Set in the period of late antiquity in Great Britain, following the Roman occupation and amid the conflict with the Saxons, The Winter King is a sprawling tale about a warrior’s rise to power during uncertain times. In this, Arthur ( Iain De Caestecker ) is not the rightful heir to the throne, but rather a bastard son with power foisted upon him to secure the seat of Dumnonia from threats both inside and outside the kingdom.

De Caestecker is nearly unrecognizable as Arthur, especially for those whose frame of reference for him is playing Fitz on Agents of S.H.I.E.L.D. , and not just because he spends the better part of the premiere bruised and battered and covered in blood. His screen presence feels like that of a fabled king. He commands every room he walks into, even when those rooms are looking to cast him out of Britain. He plays Arthur masterfully as both a reluctant ruler and a loyal warrior, seizing on the qualities that make him endearing to both his peers and the audience. Even though few interpretations of Arthurian lore play upon Arthur’s role as a warrior, De Caestecker makes it believable and compelling. When his banishment comes to an end, you believe that he has been battling armies out beyond Britain for years.

The Winter King

A former warrior, now turned monk, tells the story of how Arthur became the lord of war despite the illegitimacy of his throne.

While Arthur is the central character of The Winter King , he is not the sole protagonist of the series. Cornwell’s novel is told as a retelling of historical events by the Saxon-born Derfel, and while the series strips away the narrative styling, it is through Derfel ( Stuart Campbell ) that many of the plots are explored. Derfel’s view of Arthur is entirely colored by the fact that he saved his life when he was a boy, which shapes him into an unreliable narrator. Even without Derfel putting pen to parchment to tell the tale of Arthur in The Winter King , the scripts borrow heavily from the novel down to the letter. Each character is shaped around Derfel’s opinion of them, whether it be Arthur’s prowess and battle acumen or the love and adoration Derfel feels for Nimue ( Ellie James ).

James’ portrayal of Nimue rivals all other interpretations of the legendary Lady of the Lake. She is unrepentantly headstrong and confident, even though the script does call for her to be punished for these attributes. Her relationship with Derfel is the heart and soul of the first half of the season, and even when they are at odds, they are still united. There are entire scenes between Derfel and Nimueh that are word-for-word what Cornwell published three decades ago, yet with James and Campbell bringing them to life they feel far more vivid and real. Where the book sometimes painted their dynamic as tenuous and one-sided, The Winter King seems keen to convince the audience that they have a genuine love for each other — and not just because that’s what Derfel is rewriting history to say.

How Does 'The Winter King' Series Compare to the Novel?

As with the novel that inspired the series, The Winter King is rather unforgiving with its female characters. They can be powerful and brave, but that power is quickly and brutally taken from them through rape. The Winter King is certainly not the first or last series to utilize rape as a means to build character or introduce new motives, a trend most notably used in series like Game of Thrones and Outlander . This plot device is an unfortunate side effect in many adaptations that borrow from fantasy novels that were written in a different era.

While some of this brutality is historically accurate—as invaders did pillage and plunder the kingdoms they squashed—it doesn’t have a place in media derived from fantastical works. There are other ways to strip a woman’s agency without robbing her of her god-given powers or forcing her to carry her rapist’s child because a god has seemingly decreed it. Cornwell’s novel is not particularly gratuitous in the way it describes the rape, even if Derfel is a bit aloof in the way he details it, and the series follows a similar narrative. It doesn’t treat it as something tawdry or titillating, and it is shown out of focus. While the scene is brief, there are long-lasting ramifications that are given a decent amount of attention. The series attempts to show the aftermath of the assault, though the recovery period does leave something to be desired, which is largely due to the viewpoint through which the world of The Winter King is presented.

It is a little baffling that a series co-created by a woman ( Kate Brooke ) and largely produced by women ( Jane Tanter , Julie Gardner , and Catrin Lewis Defis ) didn’t look to improve upon these issues with Cornwell’s novels, though perhaps we should credit them with aging up Nimue and removing the book’s predatory plotline between her and Merlin, in addition to transforming the female characters into actual, well-formed people, instead of reducing them to crones and hags that were just the extension of their male peers. Beyond the delicate topic of rape, The Winter King ’s creatives have vastly improved upon what Cornwell penned in the 1990s.

Derfel is still very much The Winter King ’s unreliable narrator, though the series has smartly veered away from the first-person styling of the novel. Rather than hearing about Arthur’s conflict with his father Uther ( Eddie Marsan ), the series lets it play out with far more intimate details than what Derfel heard about after the fact. Derfel may be at the center of The Winter King ’s world, but he is not the sole arbiter of its existence as he is in the novel. This gives the series a lot more freedom—especially when De Caestecker’s Arthur and James’ Nimueh are the most compelling roles in the series.

'The Winter King's Ensemble Cast Is a Treasure

The Winter King ’s ensemble cast is stacked with a real who’s who of British television. Marsan’s outing as King Uther is quite short-lived—much like Uther’s presence in the novel—but he gives a rather memorable performance. King Uther is a respected king, but he is far from being known as a respectable king, and Marsan effortlessly portrays him as such. By design, the series starts in the middle of a highly emotional moment for both the two with Marsan and De Caestecker delivering a believable dynamic that makes the betrayal of the scene that much more profound. With only the first half of the 10-part series available to review ahead of the premiere, it seems as though The Winter King is right on track to fully adapt the first book in Cornwell’s series.

Perhaps one of the more memorable plotlines at the book’s midway point is that of Owain’s and the series does an excellent job of setting it up. As with De Caestecker’s impressive transformation into the soon-to-be-king, Daniel Ings is nearly unrecognizable as Owain — especially for those who loved him in Channel 4’s Lovesick . Owain is an interesting character, though Cornwell’s book doesn’t afford him a lot of growth or nuance. The series does, fortunately. Ings is given a lot to work with, which helps to build up Owain’s character and prepare audiences for his impending plotline.

Martello-White is excellently cast as Merlin, even if he is somewhat underutilized by the story. Merlin is more of a secondary character in Cornwell’s interpretation of Arthur’s life, but The Winter King does manage to interweave him into the story more so than the novel did. He is there to establish his role in the characters’ lives, introduce the Druid magic systems, and act as a sort of omnipresent guide, by which most of the characters base their decisions. Martello-White and De Caestecker are great scene partners, though their moments are few and far between. In this, Merlin is more a father to Arthur than Uther ever was, and that bond will inevitably leave audiences wanting more.

The remaining ensemble cast is fleshed out by Simon Merrells as the terrifying and loathsome Gundleus, Tatjana Nardone as his Pagan lover Ladwyss, Valene Kane as a much-improved version of Morgan compared to the novel, Steven Elder as the mild-mannered Bedwin, and Andrew Gower as Sansum— who we have only just seen the beginnings of . Whether you have read the novel or not, The Winter King introduces each character in a way that allows you to see the direction their character might go, even if they aren’t prominent figures within Arthurian legends.

Did the Back Half of 'The Winter King' Live Up to Expectations?

As with the source material—both legend and Cornwell's epic—The Winter King delivered epic highs and epic lows for King Arthur and the inhabitants of Dunmonia as the season progressed. But it was Episode 6, which finally saw Guinevere ( Jordan Alexandra ) join the plot, where things really kicked into high gear. While Arthur was largely focused on uniting his kingdom with his allies (and enemies) through strategic political moves, his attempts to unite Dunmonia and Powys crumble when he decides he's more enthralled by Guinevere than his betrothed Ceinwyn ( Emily John ). Through it all, De Caestecker gives such phenomenal performances that will undoubtedly keep him booked and busy for years to come. The series ends on a bit of a heart-pounding cliffhanger, which begs the question of whether or not it will secure a second season. There are still a lot of stories left to tell from Cornwell's Warlord Chronicles, and The Winter King has brought together such an incredible ensemble cast, so it would be a shame to not see it all play out. Hopefully, now that the series is available to a wider audience in the United Kingdom, it will catch fire and secure a second season.

Is 'The Winter King' the Next Must-Watch Series?

If you enjoyed the political intrigue of House of the Dragon ’s power plays for the throne, then The Winter King is the exact series you need to tide you over until Season 2. While there is magic—expressed through practical craft that is rooted in the practices of the Druids and Pagans—the rich storytelling of Cornwell’s world is not what most envision when they conjure up images of King Arthur, Merlin, or Morgan. The series is largely about the warring factions of the British Isles, complete with unscrupulous warlords trying to maneuver their way into seats of power. The battles are bloody, and the politicking is ever-present.

The Winter King is a feast for the eyes, from the costuming that perfectly captures the simplicity of the era, to the lived-in sets, and sumptuous landscapes the story has been set against. These are all attributes that are expected of a Bad Wolf-produced series having previously brought us A Discovery of Witches and His Dark Materials . The writing is impressive as it borrows quite heavily from the original source material while still managing to bring something new to the table. That sort of one-to-one adaptation is seldom seen in book-to-screen adaptations, which will surely please fans of Cornwell’s writing. Whether you are a fan of Arthurian legends or looking for the next great historical epic, The Winter King is a must-watch.

Rating: 8/10

The Winter King debuted in the U.S. back in August and is available to stream in its entirety on MGM+. It is now available to watch on ITV's streaming service ITVX, which is free to anyone who pays a license fee in the United Kingdom.

WATCH ON MGM+

The Winter King Review: The Most Compelling Take On King Arthur In Years

• Commanding lead performance from Iain De Caestecker
• Exciting action scenes and political intrigue
• Fresh take on Arthurian legend
• Occasionally feels derivative of other historical epic TV shows

Over the past few years, streamers have been inundated with historical epics filled with grisly action, from "Vikings" to "The Last Kingdom." "The Winter King" offers a new perspective on this subgenre, focusing on the story of King Arthur . This myth has been heavily Christianized over the centuries, but "The Winter King" — in a somewhat similar vein to "The Green Knight" — taps into a vision of ancient Britain deeply rooted in pagan tradition. It features a compelling lead performance from Iain De Caestecker as Arthur, who commands the audience's attention from the very first scenes of the show. In detailing his efforts to build a peaceful, just, and prosperous kingdom, "The Winter King" becomes a gripping historical drama, one that manages to make what is at this point well-trod territory feel fresh and exciting.

There is nothing so unsettling to an ancient kingdom than an infant ruler. As King Uther Pendragon (Eddie Marsan) lies dying, he has no choice but to leave as his heir a tiny baby with a clubfoot, having exiled his older illegitimate son Arthur eight years earlier. His death creates a power vacuum in Britain's already unstable patchwork of disparate and feuding kingdoms. That is, until Arthur returns from abroad, determined to not only keep Dumonia from falling to ruin without a proper leader, but to deliver to his young half-brother a strong and peaceful kingdom that exists within an at least partially unified Britain.

There's just one problem: Merlin (Nathaniel Martello-White) has a vision of his own, one that sees the baby Mordred grow into a cruel and brutally violent leader who will lay waste to the entire island, even his own people. Disturbed by this prophecy, he's reluctant to play a hand in the child's stewardship, leaving Arthur without the support of a wise and trusted ally at Dumonia's most desperate hour.

An engaging ensemble cast

"The Winter King" would be nothing without the lead performance of Iain De Caestecker as Arthur, and he steps up to the plate in every conceivable way. He plays the would-be king as a charismatic leader, with noble instincts running through his veins that make him the kind of person who other men can't help but want to follow. The show makes the wise decision not to overplay their hand with his characterization, though — there's an element of mystery about him, an air of inscrutability that leaves his many years away from Britain an as-yet-unanswered question.

He's surrounded by a rich cast of supporting characters, all with their own political motives and personal allegiances. There's Derfel (Stuart Campbell), a Saxon who was rescued by Arthur from a pit of death as a child and has grown into a young man eager to serve as a warrior at Arthur's side. The relationship between the two brings out the best in both of them, Derfel's burgeoning moral compass a perfect counterpart to Arthur's measured and somewhat calculating empathy. Derfel's childhood sweetheart is Nimue (Ellie James), a Druidess who continually struggles with the path the gods have laid out for her, seemingly pulling her in a dozen different directions in order to win their favor.

Merlin the Druid

Perhaps most interesting of all is Merlin himself, one of the most respected advisors to the Pendragon family. Normally Merlin is presented as a magician, a character tinged with the sort of supernatural elements that plant the legend of King Arthur firmly in the realm of mythology. But here, his character is grounded in humanity, for better or worse. He's a Druid who believes himself to have a connection to the gods, gifted with occasional visions that offer a glimpse into the future so that he might better serve them. His path is a frustrating one, as he often finds himself powerless to act in ways that are contrary to what the gods have designed.

Although "The Winter King" has its share of grisly violence — a set piece involving the destruction of the idyllic Avalon is particularly gruesome — it is equally interested in exploring more sedate political machinations. Some of the show's most compelling sequences involve the reckless games of chess that Arthur reluctantly plays with both friend and foe as he attempts to chart the best course of action for his kingdom. As alliances emerge and are destroyed on ever-shifting sands, "The Winter King" manages to balance its intellectual side with the thrilling action scenes audiences have come to expect from these types of shows. It only remains to be seen how this interpretation of Arthur will fare once it introduces other classic characters from the legend — if the show will feel hamstrung by tradition, or if it will creatively thrive with their inclusion.

"The Winter King" premieres on MGM+ on August 20.

This piece was written during the 2023 WGA and SAG-AFTRA strikes. Without the labor of the writers and actors currently on strike, the series being covered here wouldn't exist.

The Winter King review: A moody and magnificent take on the legend of Arthur

C hivalry isn’t simply dead in The Winter King . It’s been buried alive, slathered in mud and received a severe verbal ticking off over the course of an enjoyably gritty tale of warring kingdoms, treacherous chieftains and villainous Saxon hordes.

ITV’s dark and stormy new take on the legend of Arthur and the Knights of the Round Table is a grimly rollicking adaptation of Bernard Cornwall’s bestselling Warlord trilogy, amid the gore and the gloom, only one character looks even vaguely heroic. Inevitably it’s Iain De Caestecker’s likeable Arthur Pendragon, who, by the end of episode one of 10, sports a neat boyband haircut that turns him into a dead ringer for Ronan Keating circa “Life Is a Rollercoaster”.

Things are topsy turvy for Arthur, too. The story starts with Arthur’s older half-brother, Mordred, falling in battle. The siblings have been fighting those pesky Saxons, who are waging war on the kingdom of Dumnonia (roughly speaking, modern-day Devon and Cornwall). This devastates their father, Uther (Eddie Marsan). He cannot accept Arthur as his true heir owing to his illegitimacy. Fifth-century Britain is not, it turns out, a hotbed of progressive parenting.

He blames Arthur for the prince’s death and sentences him to a quick beheading. But Arthur is spared thanks to the intervention of Merlin (Nathaniel Martello-White). In Arthurian lore, Merlin is the original mysterious magic-wielder. He’s the template for such whiskery wizards as Gandalf, Dumbledore and Noddy Holder.

The Winter King has a different perspective, giving us Merlin as a slightly batty druid who can see the future yet is unable to cast spells. Still, his powers of persuasion work their own magic. Convinced it is better to be merciful than cruel, Uther exiles Arthur to the Continent. There, the boy picks up all sorts of weird notions – for instance, that human sacrifice is a bad idea. What will those crazy Gauls think of next ?

Arthur has come in many guises down the decades. This retelling pivots away from more fantastical versions of Britain’s Once and Future King. Instead, it is part of a continuum of revisionist medieval adventures that includes Game of Thrones and The Last Kingdom – likewise adopted from a Cornwall series.

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What it lacks in shiny knights, roaring dragons and maidens wearing those pointy hats with the little veil attached, it makes up for with its sheer, gut-clenching intensity. It also benefits from a charismatic central performance by De Caestecker. A veteran of Marvel spin-off Agents of Shield, he brings a Hollywood sparkle that twinkles amid the mud and mayhem.

The story is partly told through the eyes of Arthur’s wide-eyed protege Derfel (Stuart Campbell), whom he rescues before his exile. Merlin promptly whisks Derfel off to his hippy community at Avalon. There, he falls in love with trainee druid Nimue (Ellie James) – which is awkward, since she is sworn to celibacy (though not as awkward as the ludicrous blonde wig Campbell is forced to wear).

Meanwhile, Uther has another son. He is also named Mordred and will bring about the downfall of his people. So reckons Merlin. He’s soon off to Gaul to bring back Arthur, who has become acquainted with such foreign concepts as basic body hygiene and cutting his hair.

Dialogue is utilitarian. Characters says things such as “the Saxon will take the isle!” and “he kills like no man I’ve ever seen”. Still, The Winter King has a wonderfully gloomy atmosphere and plausibly recreates the savagery and otherworldliness of pagan Briton. To describe it as a pre-Christmas treat would be a stretch. But for those who like their medieval adventuring on the dark side, The Winter King is broody, moody and magnificent.

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The Winter King review: The costumes look like leftovers from Monty Python and the Holy Grail

The biggest issue with this itv drama is an absence of charisma – iain de caestecker as arthur and stuart campbell as derfel struggle to imbue their silly material with much gravitas, article bookmarked.

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Starter for 10: what links the Latin work of Geoffrey of Monmouth, the Old French writing of Raoul de Houdenc, and the Middle High German poetry of Hartmann von Aue? The answer, of course, is the legend of King Arthur . Indeed, the Arthurian myth links the creative output of an almost endless web of people, from Geoffrey of Monmouth to US director  Antoine Fuqua , and now the commissioners at ITV , whose new adaptation of Bernard Cornwell’s  The Warlord Chronicles  arrives in the form of  The Winter King .

Britain, the fifth century. The island’s squabbling tribes, led by King Uther Pendragon (Eddie Marsan), are failing to repel the Saxon threat. When the king’s son and heir dies, needlessly, in battle, the finger of blame falls on his bastard son, Arthur (Iain De Caestecker). “You are the son of a whore,” Uther screams, lashing out at the battle-bruised Arthur. “Coveting, begging and conniving, just like your mother.” And so, Arthur is sent off to an exile recommended by his mentor, Merlin (Nathaniel Martello-White). On his tramp into the wilderness, he encounters a death pit – scores of bodies impaled on giant spikes – where one small voice calls for help. Rescued by Arthur, raised by Merlin, this child will grow up to be Derfel (Stuart Campbell), through whose eyes  The Winter King  unfolds.

Beneath the tier of big-budget high-fantasy shows – like  The Witcher ,  The Rings of Power  and  The Wheel of Time  – all of which have pitched themselves at a cultural position vacated by  Game of Thrones , there has been a growing oeuvre of quasi-historical, semi-mystical lower-budget epics.  Vikings , for example, ran for six series and bore a spin-off,  Vikings: Valhalla , which has run for three more. But the most relevant to  The Winter King  is  The Last Kingdom , which ran for five seasons across the BBC and Netflix. Like  The Winter King , it was inspired by the works of Cornwell, and, as with its successor, it had a terrestrial quality. No CGI dragons or cityscapes or armies clashing by fiery torchlight. Just horny Saxons, killing and rutting in costumes that look like leftovers from  Monty Python and the Holy Grail .

There is something low rent about  The Winter King . There are never more than one or two horses on screen at a time, the landscapes all look more like the South Downs than rugged Northern Ireland or Iceland, and the sets fall into the trap of thinking that fifth-century Britons lived in medieval ruins. The story, which is a loose reimagining of the Arthurian legend, also flirts with moral iffiness. “There is evil in him,” Merlin proclaims when the baby Mordred is born with a disfigured foot. “He will bring death and ruin to the kingdom.” But the biggest issue is an absence of charisma. Marsan chews the scenery as Uther and Simon Merrells is suitably venomous as the evil Gundleus, but more problematic are the show’s central trio. De Caestecker’s Arthur, Campbell’s Derfel and Ellie James as druidess Nimue all struggle to imbue their silly material with much gravitas. And following in the footsteps of actors like Patrick Stewart, Eric Idle and Ben Kingsley, Martello-White’s Merlin is, frankly, the most boring incarnation of the character I’ve seen committed to screen.

All the same, aficionados of  Outlander  and its ilk will find much to enjoy in  The Winter King . The rough edges of Cornwell’s novels – including some of the sexual violence – have been sanded down, and the violence is mostly bloodless. And compared with the BBC’s  Doctor Who- esque saga,  Merlin , the production design and cinematography are positively lavish. Late-pagan Britain (“The gods are gone, little druidess,” hisses Gundleus) is a great setting for a saga. It’s just a shame that, rather than anything new, or real, we are getting yet another retelling of a story that has been told over and over, for a thousand years.

In order to reinvent the wheel – which was very much the iPhone 15 Pro of the Arthurian period – you need to bring either a truly fresh interpretation or stunning design. David Lowery’s 2021 film,  The Green Knight , a retelling of the Gawain legend, managed to do both;  The Winter King  achieves neither. The result is a serviceable yet underwhelming middlebrow epic, which adds little to an already overcrowded canon.

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The Winter King review: Arthurian legend gets a grim, bloody, satisfying makeover

Even without a round table or sword in a stone, this mgm plus series casts an enchanting spell.

The hunger for gritty fantasy that Game Of Thrones fed over eight seasons remains unsated to judge by House Of The Dragon and durable imitators such as The Witcher and The Wheel Of Time . Now comes a grim-tastic reboot of the medieval IP where it all began: Arthurian legend. Based on novelist Bernard Cornwell’s 1990s Warlord Trilogy, The Winter King introduces new (well, historical) place names and downplays magic in favor of psychology. Justifying its violence and doomy atmosphere through scenic location shots and root-worthy heroes, MGM+’s engrossing series, which premieres August 20 , presents Arthur as a moody savior in a fallen world.

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Just as GOT traced the evolution of chivalric values in a brutal realm where might makes right, The Winter King represents young Arthur’s effort to unite fifth-century Britain as an arduous and bloody quest, not necessarily guaranteed to succeed. (At least he doesn’t have to deal with ice zombies or dragons.) Over the first half of the 10-episode season, there is no Camelot, no knights at a round table, and zero Guinevere sightings. (She arrives in episode six.) As for the fabled sword in the stone, Excalibur turns up as a rusty, battered blade that Arthur discovers near his mother’s abandoned grave. Arthur becomes fascinated with the turquoise-hilted weapon, in effect processing his childhood trauma and turning it into strength.

In place of the traditional Arthurian story elements, we have Dumnonia (present-day Cornwall), ruled by High King Uther Pendragon (Eddie Marsan), whose castle stronghold is Caer Cadarn. From this subterranean labyrinth, Uther tries to repel advances by the rapacious Saxons while managing alliances with regional chieftains such as King Gorfydd (Aneirin Hughes) of Powys. Fifth-century England is splintered into hostile, constantly warring tribes. (Post-Brexit Britons and present-day Americans can relate.) After a humiliating defeat in battle against the Saxons, Arthur (Iain De Caestecker) brings home the body of Uther’s son, Mordred. Before the court, Uther beats the bastard Arthur to a bloody pulp before banishing him.

The divisions are not just over land and kingly succession; religious change is sweeping England, too. The old Druidic belief embodied by wise, gentle Merlin (Nathaniel Martello-White) and his protege Nimue (Ellie James) is being supplanted by Christianity, as preached by the goodhearted bishop Bedwin (Steven Elder). Merlin and Nimue live in Avalon, a utopian community that values equality and connection with nature—the sort of humanist values lacking in patriarchal hellholes like Caer Cadarn. Interestingly, you might think Christianity would be a force for peace in post-Roman Britain, but it’s cynically used as a decoy by faithless power mongers. Merlin’s magic is not so much supernatural as it is carefully staged. During a betrothal ceremony, a wooden bull hoisted over a fire belches smoke and white doves are released from hidden doors in its back.

Ultimately, The Winter King —elegantly scripted by Kate Brooke and Ed Whitmore and handsomely directed by Otto Bathurst—is about the sacrifice of personal happiness for the good of the nation. Arthur is the overachiever bastard son of an abusive father, banished by his horrible dad to Armorica (France), returning as leader of warriors who live by a code of honor. He is, then, a natural tactician born with a sense of justice. “You make others seem slow, sluggish,” Merlin tells him. “Nothing fosters enemies like envy.” Arthur doesn’t even pause to wash the blood caked on his face before dutifully galloping away from the homicidal Uther’s court.

En route to banishment, Arthur comes upon a village that has been raided and destroyed by the depraved Silurians. Amid the smoking ruins and corpses, he finds a death pit in which a young boy, impaled on a stake, moans. Arthur lifts the kid off the stake and takes him to Avalon to be treated by Merlin and Nimue. The youth survives and grows up to be Derfel (Stuart Campbell), another key player. (It’s never explained how Derfel got his Scottish brogue, but we’ll let that pass.) The young Saxon is sweet and sensitive and very much in love with Nimue, but finds himself drawn to a warrior’s life, for better or worse.

The first five episodes watched for this review are mostly concerned with the battle for the throne of Dumnonia. Uther’s daughter-in-law gives birth to the child who will one day be king, but upon touching the newborn Mordred’s club foot, Merlin has a dreadful vision. “I saw fire, slaughter, ruin,” the wizard explains. “The death of Britain. That child will do the Saxons’ bidding...only Arthur can stop him.” But Arthur has sworn to protect the child, even if that means his eventual defeat and death (but we’re getting ahead of ourselves).

For all its graphic bloodshed (which spares neither infants nor dogs), the series doesn’t glorify gore; the killing is full of terror and remorse. Derfel and the battle-hardened warrior Owain (Daniel Ings) carry out a botched raid on a tin mine, which becomes a chaotic carnage witnessed by a young girl in hiding. The second episode is especially gruesome, as the Silurians, led by the villainous Gundleus (Simon Merrells), use rape and pillaging to subdue the inhabitants of Avalon as he seeks his rival, the Edling (baby) king.

The cast is strong and characters dimensional as they face their various trials. Ellie James’ Nimue has a witchy intensity but also a vulnerability that grows after a terrible assault. Campbell’s Derfel is the innocent who learns the world is more corrupt than he ever imagined. And Iain De Caestecker shades what could have been a grim and resigned Arthur by introducing touches of humor and self-doubt. Playing Merlin as a serene shaman, Martello-White has natural charisma, but one wishes the writers had infused greater wit and flamboyance into him: more Gandalf and less Gandhi.

Carved as it is from three popular novels (which this reviewer has not read), the storytelling is meaty and well paced, with enough subplots and locations to hold your attention. James North’s production design takes us from dank, claustrophobic dungeons to beautiful vistas in southwest England and Wales, creating a believable sense of antiquity and scale. Although not to be confused with actual medieval history, The Winter King proves that you don’t need myth or magic to spin a mesmerizing epic, as fantasy benefits from a healthy dose of reality.

The Winter King premieres August 20 on MGM+

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The Winter King

A former warrior, now turned monk, tells the story of how Arthur became the lord of war despite the illegitimacy of his throne. A former warrior, now turned monk, tells the story of how Arthur became the lord of war despite the illegitimacy of his throne. A former warrior, now turned monk, tells the story of how Arthur became the lord of war despite the illegitimacy of his throne.

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• Trivia The Winter King is a British historical fiction television series based on Bernard Cornwell's The Warlord Chronicles novels written as a mixture of historical fiction and Arthurian legend.
• Goofs Horsemen are depicted using stirrups, which were not introduced into Europe until a century after the time of the Arthurian legend.

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Review: MGM+’s ‘The Winter King’

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King Arthur and his Knights of the Round Table is a story that many grow up learning about whether it’s from the Disney classic, The Sword in the Stone , or the numerous retellings across all forms of media. It’s the story of Arthur Pendragon’s ascension to power as the legendary leader of Britain, with the help of his mystical weapon Excalibur, his wife Guinevere, and wise old Merlin who helps guide him with counsel and magic. With so many takes on the epic tale, it’s sometimes difficult to stand out from the rest, however, MGM+ is hoping to do just that with their new series The Winter King .

Based on the book series The Warlord Chronicles by Bernard Cornwell , The Winter King takes a more grounded approach to this well-known Arthurian tale. While magic still exists, this series feels more in the vein of Game of Thrones or The Witcher , both of which have a strong sense of realism within the aspects of fantasy. The Winter King is brought to life on MGM+ by Kate Brooke and Ed Whitmore and stars Iain De Caestecker as Arthur Pendragon. Joining De Caestecker is Jordan Alexandra as Guinevere, Nathaniel Martello-White as Merlin, and Stuart Campbell as Derfel Cadarn. So is The Winter King worth your time? Continue on to find out.

[ Trigger Warning: This series depicts acts of sexual assault, so viewer discretion is advised.]

[ Warning: light spoilers and impressions from The Winter King are below!]

A slow start for Arthur’s tale

The tale of Arthur Pendragon ( De Caestecker ) in this series begins long before his time as King of England. Instead, The Winter King starts with the discovery that Arthur is not destined for ruling the kingdom of Dumnonia at all, as he’s the illegitimate son of King Uther ( Eddie Marsan ). The king is a ruthless man who’s more concerned for the children he’s lost and the heir he needs rather than the children he’s created. Arthur is on the receiving end of much of King Uther’s abuse, taking the blame for many situations outside of Arthur’s control, resulting in his banishment from the kingdom.

But as those familiar with the legend know, that’s not where this story ends. As the prologue ends and Arthur’s banishment begins, the series flashes forward to the main event of The Winter King , where the Dark Ages has fallen upon the kingdom. The Saxons are rampaging through Britain and the throne is poised to be left empty as the aging King Uther struggles to produce a capable heir.

With the war raging on, things aren’t looking great for the Kingdom of Britain, however, Merlin ( Martello-White ) has a plan. If he can find Arthur and return him from his banishment, perhaps the war can be won. It should be a simple enough accomplishment for the likes of Arthur and Merlin, although The Winter King has tons of players on the board, which could easily complicate the matter at hand. Can these two unite the kingdom and save it from the Saxons? You’ll have to watch The Winter King for yourself to see what happens in this Arthurian legend.

The good and bad of The Winter King

It’s early on in the series that it becomes apparent that The Winter King is MGM+’s answer to Game of Thrones , The Wheel of Time , Power of the Rings , or The Witcher . The series aims to be an epic medieval series with tons of action, magic, and jaw-dropping moments. All of which the legend of King Arthur is perfectly suitable for. His story is easily a slam dunk for this genre, which was what I was anticipating prior to beginning The Winter King . And yet, it wasn’t.

The Winter King begins as a slow burn which takes way too long to get moving. This left me bored and exhausted. The “good parts” of the story don’t begin until the third episode, with the first two spending way too much time going absolutely nowhere as viewers follow way too many characters. 

Perhaps that seems ridiculous to say being a fan of Game of Thrones , which arguably has way too many characters to follow in every season. That being said, GoT features characters who are distinct and storylines that are interesting to follow. For me, this was almost non-existent in the first two episodes of The Winter King . I found it difficult to distinguish half the characters from each other (the unique names didn’t help with this in the slightest) and none of the stories seemed important enough nor did they push the story forward in major ways.

Sure, obviously there’s a war going on, but it felt like such a minor thing within the background of the series. There are points in which that narrative comes to the foreground, but it’s usually in relation to characters that I couldn’t care to relate to. That being said, the series finds its footing within the third episode, which feels like such a turning point in T he Winter King .

The moment that Arthur decides to return to the Kingdom of Dumnonia, the narrative begins a more linear approach. Many of the characters with their independent stories begin to come together, making it easier to follow what is going on and who the audience should be rooting for. For me, this necessary change in the narrative took way too long to happen, which I fear might be a sentiment that others watching this series might experience too. I’ll be honest if I was watching this weekly instead of having five episodes to binge for this screener, I don’t know if I would have continued past those first two episodes.

That being said, The Winter King is worth continuing on, as the series truly finds itself in that third episode and beyond. The story tightens itself up and finds a stride that is on par with Game of Thrones or Rings of Power . I found myself in that third episode paying more attention, wanting to know more, and couldn’t wait to watch the next episode. So if you can make it past those first two, you’ll probably be pleasantly surprised. 

Stand-out performances from Iain De Caestecker and Nathaniel Martello-White

The standout of the series is Iain De Caestecker as Arthur Pendragon, who’s a far departure from his role in Agents of S.H.I.E.L.D . Arthur is more sure and confident of himself and his situation, something that Fitz struggled with throughout AoS . De Caestecker is fantastic in the role, which I have to say I wasn’t expecting when I heard he was cast in the role. But he eats it up and delivers a career-toping performance. 

Joining him as a highlight in The Winter King is Nathaniel Martello-White as Merlin. Martello-White’s take on this classic character was such a shift from other takes, with Merlin more stoic than the off-kilter wizard we’ve come to know. He’s a defined leader, even more so than Arthur when we meet him again after the time jump. Martello-White’s Merlin is my favorite character in the series and I’m excited to see more of him as the first season closes out.

When and where to watch The Winter King

Overall, if you can make it past the slog that The Winter King begins with, the series provides an excellent Arthurian Legend with some compelling characters. I personally think it’s worth sticking it out, although perhaps it’s best to wait until the first three episodes are out, so you can quickly binge them and get to the good stuff.

The Winter King arrives on MGM+ on August 20. Will you be checking it out? Let us know on Twitter or in The Cosmic Circus Discord.

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King Arthur gets the “Game of Thrones” treatment in the gritty new drama “The Winter King.” 

The period piece, airing Sundays (9 p.m. ET on MGM+), is based on “The Warlord Chronicles” novels by Bernard Cromwell. It’s a retelling of the famous King Arthur story set in Dark Ages Britain, where the land is divided into warring tribes who are constantly battling with the Saxons. 

The show is gritty, bloody and sometimes campy, with bad wigs galore.

It’s no masterpiece but, despite its flaws, there’s nonetheless enough in it to captivate fans of shows such as “Vikings” and its spinoff , and “House of the Dragon.” 

“The Winter King” begins with Arthur (Iain De Caestecker), the illegitimate son of the king who is a warrior on a battlefield. (Naturally, there are lots of closeups of his face looking grim and smeared with dirt and blood to establish what kind of show this is right off the bat.)

When Arthur brings his slain brother’s body home to his abusive father, King Uther (Eddie Marsan), he’s furious and nearly kills Arthur. But the king’s advisor, Merlin (Nathaniel Martello-White), convinces the king to banish Arthur instead. 

From there, the show jumps around in time — with the screen often reading “3 months later” or “8 years later.” It follows several different characters and their plotlines, along with Arthur, including Merlin’s protégé, Nimue (Ellie James), a witchy woman who can communicate with the gods but struggles between her apparent destiny and her desire for a regular life with a family; and Derfel (Stuart Campbell), a boy whom Arthur rescues from a mass grave.

The eight-year time jump shows that Derfel grew up in the idyllic village of Avalon following his rescue, but he feels compelled towards life as a warrior instead of a quiet farm life. (He and Nimue also have a bit of a star-crossed love.)

When the king has a new baby boy, Mordred, and names him as his heir, Merlin has a vision that the boy will be a tyrant who destroys Britain. So, Merlin sets out to bring the exiled Arthur back, since he thinks that Arthur is the only one who can stop that from happening and unite their kingdom against outside threats. 

Similar to “Game of Thrones,” the series tries to simultaneously be a grounded pseudo-historical drama and a fanciful fantasy; for example, it’s set in a historical era, and some characters such as Derfel are real (he was a Celtic Christian monk from the 6th century), while other characters such as Merlin are legendary figures. 

Magic is real in this world: Merlin is shown having visions, and Nimue communicates with the “gods” in the form of a wolf in an apparition.

The setting is not the Camelot from legends but Dumnonia, which is the historical name for a kingdom in Britain that existed during this time period. 

And there are no Knights of the round table (yet).

“The Winter King” also plays fast and loose with the King Arthur story. For instance, in some versions of the famous tale, the villainous Mordred is Arthur’s illegitimate son or nephew. In this version, Mordred is his half-brother.

The writing is sometimes clunky, with characters who feel like archetypes more than people. 

Nevertheless, there’s something absorbing about “The Winter King,” and its pacing never drags. 

It’s not excellent TV but should appeal to any fans of gritty “swords and sandals” epics. 

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Season 1 – The Winter King

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Action-packed and sprawling in scope, The Winter King compensates for its lack of fidelity to Bernard Cornwell's books with sheer entertainment value.

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The winter king, common sense media reviewers.

King Arthur retelling has graphic violence, sex, profanity.

A Lot or a Little?

What you will—and won't—find in this TV show.

This fantasy show about political battles and war

The majority of the characters are White men and w

The series features graphic and bloody battlefield

People are shown kissing heavily and having sex. T

Frequent use of insult language and profanity, inc

Characters are sometimes shown drunk.

Parents need to know that The Winter King is an extremely violent show about tribes warring over control of Britain. There's a particularly intense scene where a teen boy is impaled on a spike by pillagers. There are also references to rape and "whores." People are shown having sex, and profanity (including …

Positive Messages

This fantasy show about political battles and war in fifth-century Britain doesn't have positive messages.

Positive Role Models

This fantasy show about political battles and war in fifth-century Britain doesn't have positive role models.

Diverse Representations

The majority of the characters are White men and women. Merlin, a Black man, is the only major character of color. The city of Avalon is a community of White and Black people in equal standing. A royal baby is born with a twisted foot and is called "crippled"; Merlin says there is evil in him and that he will bring death and ruin to the kingdom. It seems the baby's physical appearance is related to his dark prophecy.

Did we miss something on diversity? Suggest an update.

Violence & Scariness

The series features graphic and bloody battlefield scenes, including mutilated bodies and mass graves. There's a particularly intense scene in which a teen boy is impaled on a spike by pillagers. Men have brutal fights, and the show frequently uses flashbacks and flash-forwards filled with war and monsters. There's a scene showing a woman in extreme pain during childbirth. Additionally, it's depicted that some Britons have enslaved Saxons, and

Did you know you can flag iffy content? Adjust limits for Violence & Scariness in your kid's entertainment guide.

Sex, Romance & Nudity

People are shown kissing heavily and having sex. The king calls Arthur's mother "a whore." There's reference to rapes occurring during tribal invasions.

Did you know you can flag iffy content? Adjust limits for Sex, Romance & Nudity in your kid's entertainment guide.

Frequent use of insult language and profanity, including "f--k."

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Drinking, Drugs & Smoking

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Parents Need to Know

Parents need to know that The Winter King is an extremely violent show about tribes warring over control of Britain. There's a particularly intense scene where a teen boy is impaled on a spike by pillagers. There are also references to rape and "whores." People are shown having sex, and profanity (including "f--k") is used regularly.

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Based on 1 parent review

What's the Story?

Based on the book of the same name, THE WINTER KING is set in fifth-century Britain, where centuries of tribal fighting has left the country divided. High King Uther Pendragon (played by Eddie Marsan of The Power ), struggling to unite the tribal kings against the Saxons, banishes his bastard son, Arthur, for allowing his heir to be killed in battle. The series then picks up a decade or so later with a new heir being born. After seeing a dark prophecy about the baby, the king's pagan advisor, Merlin, disobeys orders to try to bring Arthur home.

Is It Any Good?

A moody period piece with dramatic sets and an excellent score, this show impresses with its cinematic scope and breathtaking scenery. Despite not breaking any new ground, . The Winter King features solid acting overall (with the glaring exception of Stuart Campbell as Derfel) and maintains a brisk plot pace. It's also refreshing to see diversity in a series set in this time period. While it may not reach the heights of Game of Thrones , The Winter King still offers an entertaining story for fans of the genre.

Talk to Your Kids About ...

Families can talk about the real war that occurred between the Britons and the Saxons. Do you think this series does a good job of portraying it? Why or why not?

Discuss with teens the effect of exhilarating media like horror movies and video games on their brains. What are some good ways to take a break if their emotional engagement feels too intense?

• Premiere date : October 29, 2023
• Cast : Iain De Caestaecker , Valene Kane
• Network : MGM+
• Genre : Drama
• Topics : Magic and Fantasy
• TV rating : TV-MA
• Last updated : November 1, 2023

Did we miss something on diversity?

Research shows a connection between kids' healthy self-esteem and positive portrayals in media. That's why we've added a new "Diverse Representations" section to our reviews that will be rolling out on an ongoing basis. You can help us help kids by suggesting a diversity update.

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The Winter King: Why Is the Series Being Review Bombed?

With overwhelming written fan response and a near-100% critical rating, enthusiasts wonder if the series is being intentionally sunk.

Intense Shakespearean-style drama, brutal violence, blood and politics, and iron-age intrigue! These are the hallmarks of The Winter King (2023), a semi-historical deep dive into the mythos of King Arthur beginning with his predecessor, King Uther the Pendragon, and his reign of Dumnonioum (ancient London). With the prevalence of sword-and-sorcery fare such as Dungeons & Dragons: Honor Among Thieves (2023), the Game of Thrones legacy, and House of the Dragon (2023), the first inclination among those curious about the horrible reviews is to ask, are they due to Winter King 's unique , violent, and realistic view of medieval Briton? Are viewers tired of the fantasy genre?

That would be the easy answer. With overwhelming written viewer reactions and a near-100% critical rating, fans think the series is being intentionally sunk! The Winter King is currently viewed by a modern American audience, with an infinitesimally small portion of those viewers holding the view that 'Woke'-ism is being crammed down their throat, or perhaps they're tired of the proactive trend toward inclusion. While it's certainly possible for a dedicated few to go out of their way and post bogus reviews on various websites to ruin a show for the many, this type of discrimination is disheartening in the modern era – and we'll take a look at the painful reasons why.

Addressing Diversity

Despite a 100% critical rating alongside seemingly endless favorable written reviews on IMDb, The Winter King garners a 5.2/10 on IMDb and a 46% audience score on Rotten Tomatoes . The interpersonal chemistry of the characters is on-point, the historical accuracy is astounding, and the action would satisfy any fan of Spartan-style bloodbaths. Yet the poor percentages are prevalent. Why is this?

Speculation surrounds the inclusion of persons of color in the series – namely, the fact that Merlin is portrayed by Nathaniel Marello-White, who is a 'Black Briton.' Another character, Guinevere, played by the incredible Jordan Alexandra, is also a Black Briton. Regardless of the closed-minded outpouring of anger, this may create within the extreme far-right Republicans, the ancient Moors and Black Britons were included in society in antediluvian England in a way that they absolutely weren't in pre-industrial America.

The non-inclusive critics and detractors of the series fail to understand that The Winter King is based loosely on the Saxon, Norman, and Angle series of conflicts. Within these conflicts were arbiters, and many arbiters (not all, but many) were the Druids. The ancient judges and philosophers of Celtic society, the Druids (according to Gnostic verbal tradition written down in Irish manuscripts such as the 'Book of the Pheryllt' and 'The Red Book of Duncow'), had contact with the ancient Etruscans, Nubians, and Egyptians .

Related: Why The Once and Future King Needs a Faithful Animated Adaptation

Addressing Black Britons

Celts were the ancestors of the Vikings, the greatest sailors the world has ever known. These same Celts and their Druids sailed the Mediterranean and North African seas, recruiting talented individuals from many parts of the world and exchanging knowledge, and there is historical evidence for black Britons – then known as the 'Moors' – to have been part of Celtic society and not as indentured servants.

Related: 21 Shows to Watch When You're Missing Merlin

Robin Hood (2018) depicted the titular character as accompanied by Yahya, played by Jaime Foxx. Yahya was a legitimate historical figure, a Black Briton, and was first represented as part of the Robin Hood historical canon by Morgan Freeman back in Robin Hood: Prince of Thieves (1991). Yet Yahya had been known as a companion to the historical Robin of Loxley since the 1300s, right alongside Will Scarlett and Little John.

Given the already established diversity of ancient England, it's a sad commentary that a certain demographic would tank The Winter King because they're ignorant of the fact that there were black people, free, in Celtic society during the Iron and Middle Ages – and there is concrete historical evidence of this.

The Winter King didn't set out to die on a socio-political hill played out between racist and non-racist viewers, and that's a shame. The Winter King is an attempt to set the record straight on British history while allowing a view through the keyhole of Celtic spiritualism, not a 'woke' or 'anti-woke' statement on current society.

If individuals can educate themselves on the true history of the Celts and the expansion of the Moors after the fall of Rome – they would then understand it makes sense that there might have been a black Merlin because "Merlin" wasn't a person. Merlin is a title. It was and always has been a title passed down to mean the Chief Druid or, as "Merlin" means in ancient Gallic – "Venerable Seer." Put in this perspective, the correct perspective, The Winter King could be the best Arthurian action drama in decades!

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Movie Review: The Winter King

The previous two decades of television have seen a plethora of Arthurian stories come to life. Each series has had its own distinct flavour, from Merlin’s quirky humour to Camelot’s sex appeal, but none compare to MGM+’s epic new rendition of Bernard Cornwell’s The Winter King. While the series has elements of pagan mysticism, it is significantly more concerned with being grounded in the realism of its historical setting. Though the pagan priestesses and even Merlin (Nathaniel Martello-White) have intuition, they are not all-powerful beings capable of otherworldly magic.

The Winter King is a vast novel of a warrior’s ascent to power during uncertain times set in late antiquity in Great Britain, following the Roman conquest and amid a battle with the Saxons. In this version, Arthur (Iain De Caestecker) is not the true successor to the throne, but rather a bastard son given power to protect the seat of Dumnonia from enemies both within and beyond the country.

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De Caestecker is practically unrecognisable as Arthur, especially to those who remember him as Fitz on Agents of S.H.I.E.L.D., and not only because he spends the whole of the first episode beaten, pummelling, and covered in blood. His cinematic presence is that of a legendary ruler. He commands every room he enters, even when those rooms are plotting to kick him out of the country.

He expertly portrays Arthur as both a hesitant king and a faithful warrior, capitalising on the characteristics that appeal to him to both his contemporaries and the viewer. Despite the fact that few versions of Arthurian mythology focus on Arthur’s position as a warrior, De Caestecker renders it credible and engaging. When his exile ends, you feel he has been fighting forces outside of Britain for years.

While Arthur is the principal character of The Winter King, he is not the series’ sole protagonist. Cornwell’s novel is recounted as a recounting of historical events by the Saxon-born Derfel, and while the series cuts away the narrative styling, many of the stories are explored via Derfel (Stuart Campbell). Derfel’s perception of Arthur is fully coloured by the fact that he saved his life as a child, which turns him into an untrustworthy storyteller.

Even without Derfel putting pen to page to describe Arthur’s story in The Winter King, the screenplays significantly draw from the novel to the letter. Each character is formed by Derfel’s view of them, whether it’s Arthur’s skill and war prowess or Derfel’s love and admiration for Nimue (Ellie James).

All previous conceptions of the mythical Lady of the Lake pale in comparison to James’ portrayal of Nimue. She is unrepentantly stubborn and confident, despite the fact that the script calls for her to be punished for these qualities. Her connection with Derfel is at the centre of the first half of the season, and even when they disagree, they remain united.

There are entire moments between Derfel and Nimueh that are word-for-word what Cornwell penned three decades ago, but they feel considerably more vibrant and real with James and Campbell bringing them to life. Whereas the novel depicted their relationship as shaky and one-sided, The Winter King seemed eager to persuade the viewer that they truly love one other — and not only because that’s what Derfel is rewriting history to say.

The Winter King, like the novel that inspired the series, is harsh on its female characters. They can be strong and fearless, but their strength is rapidly and brutally stripped away by rape. The Winter King is far from the first or last series to use rape to develop characters or introduce new motivations, a tendency most prominently seen in Game of Thrones and Outlander. This narrative technique is an unintended consequence of numerous adaptations that take from fantasy works published in a different age.

While part of this savagery is historically accurate—invaders did rape and plunder the nations they conquered—it has no place in literature based on fanciful works. There are other methods to deprive a woman of her agency without depriving her of her god-given abilities or compelling her to carry her rapist’s kid because a deity appears to have commanded it. Cornwell’s novel is not particularly gratuitous in its depiction of the rape, even if Derfel is a little aloof in his description of it, and the series follows a similar pattern.

It is portrayed out of focus and is not treated as tawdry or titillating. While the scenario is brief, there are long-term consequences that are given adequate emphasis. The series aims to depict the aftermath of the attack, albeit the recuperation phase leaves plenty to be desired, owing primarily to the standpoint from which The Winter King’s realm is shown.

It’s a little perplexing that a series co-created by a woman (Kate Brooke) and largely produced by women (Jane Tanter, Julie Gardner, and Catrin Lewis Defis) didn’t try to improve on these issues with Cornwell’s novels, though perhaps we should credit them with ageing up Nimue and removing the book’s predatory plotline between her and Merlin, as well as transforming the female characters into actual, well-formed people Aside from the sensitive subject of rape, The Winter King’s creators have substantially improved on what Cornwell wrote in the 1990s.

Derfel remains The Winter King’s untrustworthy narrator, while the series has wisely moved away from the novel’s first-person style. Rather than hearing about Arthur’s quarrel with his father Uther (Eddie Marsan), the series allows it to play out with considerably more personal details than Derfel learned afterwards. Derfel is at the centre of The Winter King’s realm, yet he is not the sole arbitrator of its existence, as portrayed in the novel. This allows the narrative a lot more leeway, especially because De Caestecker’s Arthur and James’ Nimueh are the series’ most engaging characters.

The ensemble cast of The Winter King is a veritable who’s who of British television. Marsan’s appearance as King Uther is brief, much like Uther’s role in the story, but he delivers a noteworthy performance. ruler Uther is a recognised ruler, but he is not renowned as a decent king, and Marsan presents him as such with ease. By purpose, the series begins in the midst of a very emotional moment for both of them, with Marsan and De Caestecker creating a convincing chemistry that heightens the scene’s betrayal. With just the first half of the 10-part series available for review ahead of the debut, it appears like The Winter King is on schedule to properly adapt Cornwell’s first novel.

Owain’s narrative is maybe one of the more memorable towards the book’s halfway point, and the series does an amazing job of setting it up. Daniel Ings, like De Caestecker’s stunning transition into the soon-to-be-king, is practically unrecognisable as Owain — especially to those who adored him in Channel 4’s Lovesick. Owain is a fascinating character, though Cornwell’s work doesn’t give him much room for development or subtlety. Thankfully, the series does. Ings is given a lot of material to work with, which serves to flesh out Owain’s character and prepare viewers for his next narrative.

Martello-White is a terrific casting choice for Merlin, even if the script underutilizes him. Merlin is a subordinate figure in Cornwell’s version of Arthur’s life, but The Winter King weaves him into the tale more effectively than the novel does. He is present to establish his function in the lives of the protagonists, to teach the Druid magic systems, and to serve as omnipresent guidance on which most of the characters base their judgements.

Simon Merrells as the terrifying and loathsome Gundleus, Tatjana Nardone as his Pagan lover Ladwyss, Valene Kane as a much-improved version of Morgan compared to the novel, Steven Elder as the mild-mannered Bedwin, and Andrew Gower as Sansum—who we have only seen the beginnings of—round out the ensemble cast. Whether you’ve read the novel or not, The Winter King presents each character in such a way that you can understand where their character may go, even if they aren’t well-known personalities in Arthurian tales.

If you loved the political intrigue of House of the Dragon’s power struggles for the crown, The Winter King is the perfect series to hold you over until Season 2. While there is magic—expressed via practical craft steeped in Druidic and Pagan practices—the rich narrative of Cornwell’s universe is not what most people perceive when they think of King Arthur, Merlin, or Morgan. The series is mostly on the warring factions of the British Isles, filled with corrupt warlords attempting to gain power. The conflicts are violent, and the politics are constant.

That kind of one-to-one adaptation is uncommon in book-to-film adaptations, and it will undoubtedly thrill Cornwell aficionados. The Winter King is a must-see for everyone who enjoys Arthurian tales or is yearning for the next great historical epic. If the novel is any indication — and it is — the second half of the series will have fantastic performances and heart-pounding scenarios.

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Hollywood's 12 Live-Action Anime Adaptations, Ranked Worst To Best

10 new movies we’re very nervous about because they have potential to become instant classics & blockbusters, gxk quietly confirms there's a titan in the monsterverse that makes even godzilla look small.

• Stephen King raves about the Spanish movie The Coffee Table, calling it "horrible and horribly funny," comparable to the Coen Brothers.
• King's recommendation holds weight, potentially helping The Coffee Table gain new viewers and recognition in the horror genre.
• Despite its controversial content, the film has gained attention and might appeal to horror fans looking for something especially disturbing.

Legendary horror novelist Stephen King shares his rave review of the little-known Spanish movie The Coffee Table . Directed by Caye Casas, The Coffee Table is a 2022 Spanish black-comedy horror movie starring Josep Riera, David Pareja, Estefanía de los Santos, and Claudia Riera. Known for his extensive work in the horror genre after rising to fame with his debut novel, Carrie, King has written a total of 66 books . Many of his works, including IT , The Shining , The Green Mile , and Salem's Lot , have been adapted for the screen.

Well-known for his outspoken views and opinions on pop culture, King has taken to X, formerly Twitter, to give his review of The Coffee Table . Check out King's full post below:

He has claimed The Coffee Table is one of the blackest movies he has ever seen . Labeling it as " horrible and also horribly funny ," and describing it as being akin to " the Coen Brothers' darkest dream, " he heaped praise on the movie, which he notes is available on Apple TV+ and Prime Video.

What Is The Coffee Table About?

The movie has controversial themes.

The Coffee Table is a controversial movie, following a Spanish couple with a newborn baby who purchase a coffee table after being told the glass is indestructible, only for tragedy to befall them. With a particularly graphic and shocking moment that would disturb even the most hardcore of horror fans, this is a film that the King of Horror clearly approves of . King often posts rave reviews about the movies and shows he enjoys, but this is still very high praise indeed from the man.

Although it is not particularly well-known in the United States, now is the perfect time for viewers to discover The Coffee Table for themselves, and enjoy some very graphic horror, endorsed by the master himself.

King is not the only one to praise The Coffee Table so far. At the time of writing, the film has an 88% critics score on Rotten Tomatoes with 26 reviews. Among audiences, this film is even more liked, as the approval rating currently stands at 100%. This high rating suggests that The Coffee Table ’s controversial elements do not come at the expense of its quality. It is important to note, however, that The Coffee Table currently has fewer than 50 audience ratings, thus the audience approval could diminish over time.

Could King's Review Help The Coffee Table Gain New Viewers?

King's recommendations hold a great deal of weight.

Foreign movies often lack an audience in the United States, but they can enjoy a spike of interest if they are publicly supported by successful or renowned celebrities, and King certainly falls into this bracket. His opinion on what constitutes great horror often carries a lot of weight . King often recommends horror books , movies, and shows, so his tweet could see a spike in interest in the film domestically. Due to the controversial subject matter of The Coffee Table , it is unlikely it will ever achieve mainstream prominence, but many horror films thrive with a devoted underground audience.

The Coffee Table placed #10 on El Mundo's top 10 best Spanish movies of 2023.

Independently of King’s review, The Coffee Table may struggle to get a wide viewership . After all, its director, Caye Casas, is not well known in the United States. Casas’ films, which have included Killing God and Asylum: Twisted Horror and Fantasy Tales have not gained significant traction in the United States, so there is not already an existing draw to the director’s work. This fact will make it even harder for The Coffee Table to reach mass audiences.

The window of time when audiences can watch The Coffee Table might be small and will depend on the streaming run it has. King is clearly a fan of the movie, and his comments should come as a positive to horror buffs looking to find a new movie to watch. Although it is not particularly well-known in the United States, now is the perfect time for viewers to discover The Coffee Table for themselves, and enjoy some very graphic horror, endorsed by the master himself.

Can The Coffee Table Stand Out In a Tough Year for Horror?

2024 hasn't been horror’s best year.

The Coffee Table has not had a wide release in the United States , but either in theaters or streaming, it is coming out in a tough year for horror. Multiple horror films, including Abigail and The First Omen , have underperformed box office expectations already this year. Both of those suffered despite doing well among critics, receiving 84% and 81% Tomatometer scores, respectively. Amid a trend like that, The Coffee Table ’s critic acclaim is far from enough to propel it forward in 2024.

A more hopeful sign at the 2024 horror box office, however, is the film Late Night with the Devil . An indie, experimental-leaning horror film with a modest budget, Late Night with the Devil ended up taking in $11.1 million worldwide. This is a hopeful sign for a film like The Coffee Table , which similarly has a less mainstream approach. It seems that 2024 horror fans are coming out for some of the more daring content rather than the more mainstream movies. Hopefully, The Coffee Table can benefit from the same trend on streaming or in theaters should it get a wide release chance.

Source: Stephen King /X/Twitter

The Coffee Table