Who knew George Washington was once a twink? Angel Studios targets the origin story of one of America’s most notable historical figures in Young Washington, an incredibly engrossing drama. As someone who only has the most basic knowledge about this 1700s era of American history, there was plenty about Washington that surprised me. William Franklyn-Miller fills the boots of Washington, bringing an easily palatable CW-esque charm to the determined and ferociously ambitious teenager. The costume design offers plenty of immersion. John Erwin (I Still Believe, Prime’s House of David) co-writes and directs, bringing a bold style to the action scenes that occasionally dips into cheesy territory that’s all part of the package. If history was always this accessible, maybe Social Studies wouldn’t have been my least favorite class in high school.
Set decades before the American Revolution, Young Washington explores the eventual first president of the United States in his early years, just as the title would suggest. More specifically, the bulk of the film follows the birth of the French and Indian War. George’s struggle to prove himself in a world dominated by class and a strict military hierarchy makes him an endearing character to follow. The script from Erwin, Diederik Hoogstraten, and Tom Provost allows plenty of breathing room in between staggering defeats for character development.
From surveying dangerous frontier territory to commanding inexperienced militia forces against the French, Washington’s early triumphs and devastating losses slowly forge him into a memorable leader. After all, as George’s half-brother (John Foss) insists, even a pawn can take a king. Along the way, we also follow George’s romantic interests, and life lessons that help to shape his understanding of leadership. Rather than focusing on a more central topic such as the Revolutionary War or another period depicted countless times, highlighting George’s early military career gives this a unique perspective into lesser known territory.
Even viewers with minimal knowledge of colonial American history should have little trouble following the narrative as it unfolds. We are always made primely aware of location and date as the progress soldiers on to eventual conflict. The battle sequences are staged perfectly, and help to maintain a solid momentum throughout. One trap the movie does fall into from time to time is painting Washington as a heroic, infallible figurehead. The last battle is particularly egregious in this regard. However, enough nuance shines through, as well as genuine facts from the time to lean more crowd-pleasing than into silly romanticism.
The cast does solid work throughout, particularly in selling Washington’s transformation into a respected military leader. Kelsey Grammer leaves the strongest impression as Lord Fairfax; some supporting players serve as more catalyst for Washington than full-realized characters. Washington’s internal conflict and growing confidence make him easy to root for, even moreso given William Franklyn-Miller’s layered performance. In the end, Young Washington remains an engaging historical adventure with strong production value and a compelling coming-of-age story wrapped in a colonial war epic.
Young Washington marches into theaters on Friday, July 3rd, just in time for Independence Day.
