Young Washington (2026) Angel/Drama RT: 125 minutes Rated PG-13 (sequences of strong war violence, some bloody images) Director: Jon Erwin Screenplay: Jon Erwin, Tom Provost and Diederik Hoogstraten Music: Benjamin Botkin Cinematography: Kristopher Kimlin Release date: July 3, 2026 (US) Cast: William Franklyn-Miller, Mary-Louise Parker, Kelsey Grammer, Andy Serkis, Ben Kingsley, Joel Smallbone, Mia Rodgers, Ryan Begay, Jonno Davies, John Foss.
Rating: ***
In a season typically defined by cinematic no-brainers, Young Washington is a history lesson. It’s brought to you by Angel Studios, the outfit primarily known for “value-based” entertainment- i.e. films with religious or patriotic themes. Although God (or “Providence”) is mentioned a few times, it fits more in the latter category. It is, after all, about the man who laid the groundwork for the founding of America in 1776. It’s no coincidence that it’s coming out just in time for our country’s 250th birthday (aka the Semiquincentennial).
Directed by Jon Erwin, not working with big brother Andrew this time out, Young Washington is just as the title promises. It’s the story of young George Washington before the Revolutionary War and before he became our country’s first President. William Franklyn-Miller (of the Chicken Girls series) plays twenty-something George, a brash and ambitious young man (and tenant farmer) looking for a way in to high society. His dream is to become an officer in the British Army even though he’s been told repeatedly since childhood that it’s impossible. His station in life is his station in life; there’s no changing it.
George sees a way in when he crashes a party at the Fairfax mansion. That’s where he meets and becomes smitten with Sally (Rodgers, The Sex Lives of College Girls) who admires his audacity in showing up uninvited. He offers his services as a surveyor to Thomas (Grammer, Jesus Revolution) who wants to know more about neighboring Ohio Territory. The older man accepts and George heads off to map out the unknown terrain. While there, he encounters Seneca tribal leader Tanaghrisson (Begay) who leads him to a French outpost. They plan to take over the land from the British.
George returns to Virginia to report his findings to the governor (Kingsley, Gandhi). He volunteers his services as a militia leader. He leads an army back to the French outpost to deliver a message. They’re to leave or face the wrath of the British military. I think you know how that plays out. If not, you better brush up on your history.
I’m no expert so I can’t speak to the historical accuracy of Young Washington although I’m pretty sure he didn’t turn into the colonial version of Rambo while fighting in the Battle of the Monongahela. It’s cool to watch, especially the bit where he hangs on the side of his horse while evading musket fire, but not believable for a second. If there are any historians reading this review, I’d like your input. How much did the movie get wrong?
All things considered, I enjoyed Young Washington. It’s an interesting film. GW’s early life isn’t often talked about. You don’t hear much about what came before Valley Forge, the Delaware River and his political career. Okay, there is that story about the cherry tree and it’s alluded to here. The movie also goes into his relationship with his mother Mary (Parker, Fried Green Tomatoes) and half-brother Lawrence (Foss, The Life of Jesus Christ) who stepped up after the death of George’s father. It was Lawrence who educated him after the local school turned him away for not coming from a wealthy family. It also goes into George’s determination to change his station in life and the blow to his ego after a devastating defeat in a battle with French soldiers. It’s cliched, but still interesting.
Young Washington isn’t without a few problems. It’s slow in parts and some of the casting feels off. Don’t get me wrong, the acting is decent, but it’s a little hard to see Frasier Crane decked out in a powdered wig and 18th century gear. Miller does a fine job in the lead role even when the script makes questionable choices. Kingsley is always good. Parker is good as the tough love mom who doesn’t want to lose her son.
On the plus side, the artistic merits of Young Washington are solid. The sets and costume design are right on point. The battle scenes are well executed. It’s nice to look at. It helps that the drama hits like it should. Erwin gets you invested in GW and the personal struggles he had to overcome on his journey to greatness. That’s what a movie is supposed to do.
I know a lot of people will avoid Young Washington because it an Angel Studios film. That would be unfair. It’s really not a bad movie. Yes, as per usual, the end credits come with a plea for donations for families who can’t afford a trip to the movies. I still think it’s shameless, but it seems to be working. Eh, whatever.
