The Last Kingdom: Seven Kings Must Die, originally a historical drama series turned into a movie, starts with the passing of Edward, the Anglo-Saxon King. Widowed, lady Eadgifu and the youngest son Edmund escape to Bebbanburg where Uhtred, a former ally of Edward, will keep them safe. Lady Eadgifu informs Uhtred that Aethelstan’s (Edward’s eldest son) character has changed and that his loyalty is to his faith by any means necessary. Uthred reassures her that he can be convinced to be peaceful. Before departing, the inner circle of Uhtred looms a prophecy, that seven kings will die. Uhtred contemplates this idea but pushes on. As he travels to find out more information, he finds out that Aethelstan is preparing to face his brother Aelfweard; to eliminate his chance of competition to become king. Uhtred quickly realizes that the thirst for blood is growing stronger by the minute and tries to neutralize the situation but is unable to stop the cataclysmic event of war. The villagers beg for mercy, but Aethelstan is unwavering. When Uhtred reaches Aethelstan, he tells him to stand down.
The two quarrel and Uthred realizes that Aelthelstan is being heavily influenced by his advisor, Ingilmunder. Realizing that he is unable to change his mind, he relinquishes. As time goes on, Aethelstan takes one of the king’s sons as a hostage in pursuit to convince the king of that region to step down. This behavior continues as Aethelstan is ravaged by his conquest by going from village to village, stating control, and displaying dominance by subjecting the people to abide by his will. As Uthred witnesses these acts, he is starting to understand the severity of what is to come. During these events, Uthred discovers the romance between Aethelstan and Ingilmunder, Uthred’s body language reveals that he is accepting of his newfound knowledge, yet he is skeptical of the outcome. This motive becomes clear to the audience as he tries to tell Aethelstan his warnings without any success. Ingilmunder (who is not who he says he is) will not take any chances. This enacts him to have Uthred be seen as the enemy and turns everyone against him. Uthred struggles in his living conditions until he is recruited by an alliance that has been forming in the shadows to remove Aethelstan, but even then Uthred will not overturn his loyalty to him. Uthreds connection with Aethelstan is far too great to bargain for a betrayal (even if it would mean relieving everyone who has been impacted). These inner conflicts are present when Uthred faces Aethelstan but he is unable to follow through with the arrangement. Uthred tries to warn Aethelstan once more of his enemies.
Because of the affection Aethelstan feels for Ingilmunder he is unable to accept the revelations that were unfolded to him by Uthred and due to his judgment, Aethelstan continues with his plans for control. Moreover, since Uthred did not follow through with the other king’s demand of killing Aethelstan, they destroy Uthred’s community by killing the people closest to him. These feelings of torment, are far too familiar for Uthred. This sets waves of emotions within him, crashing towards the surface as he tries to figure out what to do next.
After the several warnings he received, Aethelstan uncovers the truth about Ingilmunder, but the damage is done and he will now have to face the consequences and go to war. Uthred, however, will not allow Aethelstan to face this alone and seeks allies to defend him to fulfill the vision of Aethelstans grandfather, King Alfred, to unite all of England as one. All of these events lead to the epic battle between the kings, The Battle of Brunanburh. And although he was able to gather as many as they could, they were severely outnumbered. The imagery of the battle is intense and the audience senses and sees the extreme fear that the group is facing. Two sides collide against one another as their blades slash through each other, the gore is immeasurable as each person is fighting for their life. Tired and beaten, Uthred tries to make sure Aethelstan is safe, and in the process is badly wounded. The audience can see that Uthred and his allies were able to overcome the odds and win the battle. Uhtred is found and brought back to recover and is informed that five sons of the kings were killed during the battle. Uhtred is in a state of shock, but understands the prophecy now and quickly declares Aethelstan as Lord of his lands. In addition, he made him promise to never marry so he may be able to give his ruling to Edmund, without the chance of a future rivalry. The audience sees Uthred in a new light. He was severed from the role of a vigorous soldier and is now a compassionate man who wants the best for his people. As he walks away to rest in his chamber he receives a glimpse of Valhalla and all of the people he lost, waiting for him.
The film ends with Uthred at a crossroads with his destiny as the camera pans out unveiling the Castle of Brunanburh from the past towards the present time. The series built a gateway for the film to showcase the history of the formation of a kingdom, alongside the journey of the great characters shown, reaching a new beginning.
Rating: 8/10