Film Review: YOUNG WASHINGTON: A Fascinating Look at George Washington’s Rise as a Leader [Tribeca 2026]

Young Washington Review

Young Washington (2026) Film Review from the 25th Annual Tribeca Film Festival, a movie directed by Jon Erwin, written by Tom Provost, Jon Erwin and Diederik Hoogstraten and starring William Franklyn-Miller, Kelsey Grammer, Ben Kingsley, Mary-Louise Parker, Andy Serkis, Joel David Smallbone, Michael Benz, Mia Rodgers, Jonno Davies, Angus Castle-Doughty, Ryan Begay, John Foss, Alfie Kiely, Will Joseph, Ian Dillon, Leo Hanna, Jo Dow and Fearghal Geraghty.

Filmmaker Jon Erwin’s earnest and well-made historical drama, Young Washington, benefits greatly from a dedicated lead performance by William Franklyn-Miller in the title role. Before Washington came to be the President of the United States, he was a bit insecure in some respects in terms of getting things accomplished in a proficient manner. When Washington had to surrender and admit defeat, he was reprimanded by Robert Dinwiddie (the terrific Ben Kingsley, who can steal the show), the lieutenant governor of Virginia from 1751 to 1758. Erwin’s movie focuses on the French and Indian War, Washington’s rise to become a leader and the relationships Washington had with those who were close to him. Erwin’s picture often hits the target in accomplishing what it sets out to do with action scenes that are perfect for a film being released before the 250th anniversary of the signing of the Declaration of Independence. 

Franklyn-Miller has a lot of opportunities to excel in his role in this new movie. As Washington, we watch him grow from a young man who has the best of intentions to one who actually implements the ideals that he admires so much as those around him help shape his life experiences and make him become the man that is celebrated so often in the history of the United States of America. One such influence is Dinwiddie who often raises his voice to make Washington see the error of his ways, especially when he’s forced to surrender under pressure as the tensions mount and lives are put in jeopardy.

Mary-Louise Parker has a small role, but a pivotal one, in Young Washington as Mary, George’s mother and the moments between Parker and Franklyn-Miller are quite rich in the way the shape the focal point of George’s purpose and his ability to clearly define his goals. Parker plays Mary as a woman who is determined and often struggles, but maintains her integrity in times of despair. She helps steer George Washington towards his ideals while being protective of his well-being.

Kelsey Grammer serves as Lord Fairfax, a man who believed in the young George and helped him gain notoriety through his endeavors. Grammer is not in a lot of the film, yet he makes the most of his screen time and proves why he is one of our most versatile character actors through his on-screen sophistication. Meanwhile, Andy Serkis portrays Edward Braddock, a fierce leader who is thrown into a situation that may prove to be detrimental towards the greater good. Serkis is at his best here in moments where he shows his vulnerability rather than the rough edge that shaped Braddock as a man. It is Ben Kingsley who gets to give the most effective supporting performance here as Dinwiddie tells Washington the errors of his ways and Kingsley chews scenery left and right.

Mia Rodgers is more than fine as Sally Cary, the love of George Washington’s life who never came to be with him. Rodgers brings a lot of depth to her performance, proving why George Washington cared deeply for her. There are heartbreaking moments between Rodgers and Franklyn-Miller as well as touching ones that make their relationship a very substantial one despite the short time the film deals with their particular relationship.

Jon Erwin is a good director in that he’s very thorough with the scenes he displays to the viewer, only moving away to another scene when he feels the point has been achieved significantly from the previous one. Erwin’s command of the battle scenes proves to be his biggest strength as opposed to the more basic scenes in the picture. Erwin has obviously studied how to make a blockbuster movie and the action sequences leap off the screen with intensity and tension. This is a bit surprising being that Erwin previously worked on more human dramas where his strength was characterizations. In Young Washington, the relationships are well-drawn, but the action is what will keep the viewer invested in the picture as we watch Washington grow as a leader through conflicts.

Young Washington doesn’t have to do everything right to work perfectly at what it sets out to do. This movie set out to show the early life and career of a man destined to become a determined leader. This movie is all the better because of the way William Franklyn-Miller ably inhabits his  role and runs away with it, developing his character right before our eyes. Franklyn-Miller is likely to find himself playing some more contemporary roles and by cutting his teeth playing Washington, the actor proves he’s capable of achieving great things in the future.

Young Washington is an action-driven, stirring drama that is quite effective on the battlefield as it examines the insecurities of a man who grew into someone who could ultimately accomplish great things. By putting his focus on the American people, he managed to thrive and this movie shows us how he came into power very effectively. It’s certainly Jon Erwin’s most accomplished piece of film-making from a technical standpoint and should be seen.

Rating: 7.5/10

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