This daring historic action piece takes big chances and mostly pays off in big ways.
PG-13 | 2h | Drama, Biography, History, War | 2026
Depending on the source, George Washington has been depicted in various forms of media (documentaries, features, TV, the stage, and video games) between 30 and 95 times. In some instances, he’s the lead character; in others, he’s sometimes brief and fleeting.
Virtually all of them put the spotlight on his part in the Revolutionary War or his time as the first president of the United States.
If for no other reason, “Young Washington” deserves high marks for sticking only to Washington’s life as a child through his service in the French and Indian War (1754–1763). This is significant for a few reasons.
Most people know nothing about this part of Washington’s life. The movie clears up some misconceptions regarding all of the belligerents in the French and Indian War. It also sheds light on the little-known details of Washington’s first serious romantic crush and the rampant class warfare of the mid-18th century.
The first promising indicator of taking narrative chances is that of coproducer, cowriter, and director Jon Erwin’s choice of the opening scene. It’s set in the summer of 1755, which is also when the movie ends.
No Surrender
George Washington (William Franklyn-Miller) is an aide-de-camp to British Gen. Edward Braddock (Andy Serkis). During what appears to be a heavy-sided loss to French forces, a colleague tells him to retreat. Washington pauses.
The story then switches to 1743 where his 12-year-old self (Will Joseph) is still in mourning for the recent death of his father. His much older half-brother Lawrence (John Foss), whom he didn’t even know existed before this, consoles him.
Lawrence becomes an immediate father figure by lending his little brother books on history, politics, war, and the arts while mentioning in passing his recent marriage to Anne, the eldest daughter of William Fairfax (Joel David Smallbone).
At the time, the British Fairfax family was among the wealthiest in the American colonies. This made the now young adult Washington jealous and more determined than ever to improve his station in life.
