Entertainment

WNN Monday Movie Review: Young Washington

Young Washington Shows the Man Before the Monument

Young Washington Movie Poster (2026)

Angel Studios

Posted Monday, August 10, 2026 3:55 pm

By: Rusty Wise - Wise News Network

Cherryville, NC (WNN) - George Washington is usually portrayed as the older, reserved general who led the American colonies to independence. The 2026 movie Young Washington tells a different story.

Plot and Cast

The movie follows Washington in his early twenties, when he was still trying to earn the respect of British military leaders. He was ambitious and confident, but also inexperienced. Some of his decisions ended badly and helped ignite the French and Indian War.

William Franklyn-Miller is convincing as the young Washington. He does not portray him as a perfect hero. His Washington makes mistakes, suffers defeat, and gradually learns what it means to lead men in battle.

The movie covers Washington’s surrender at Fort Necessity and his later service with British General Edward Braddock. The battle scenes are realistic and easy to follow without taking over the story. Andy Serkis is especially good as the proud and stubborn Braddock.

The supporting cast includes Ben Kingsley as Virginia Lieutenant Governor Robert Dinwiddie, Kelsey Grammer as Lord Fairfax, Mary-Louise Parker as Washington’s mother, and Joel Smallbone as William Fairfax.

True Story?

Much of the movie follows the historical record, although some events and relationships were changed for dramatic purposes. The timing of Lawrence Washington’s death, Washington’s relationship with Sally Cary, and some details surrounding Braddock’s death are not presented exactly as they happened.

The important parts of the story are true. Washington suffered a humiliating defeat at Fort Necessity. He later rode through heavy gunfire during Braddock’s disastrous expedition, had horses shot from beneath him, and emerged without being wounded. Those early experiences helped prepare him for the much larger war he would lead two decades later.

Release Numbers

Directed by Jon Erwin, Young Washington was produced by Wonder Project, Angel Studios, 10 Ton Productions, and 2521 Entertainment. Angel Studios released the film on July 3, 2026, during the weekend marking America’s 250th anniversary.

The movie reportedly cost about $20 million to produce. It opened with approximately $19.4 million and has earned about $46.9 million at the worldwide box office. It is wrapping up in theaters with only a few showings left, but I'm sure it will be out on streaming platforms soon.

The Hoot Review Scale

5 Hoots - Outstanding filmmaking with emotional or cultural impact
4 hoots - Great movie with some minor flaws. Would recommend to a friend.
3 Hoots. Enjoyable, but not groundbreaking.
2 Hoots - It was okay, but it falls short of expectations or potential.
1 Hoot - Weak story and/or poor execution.

Hoot Rating: 4 out of 5

I give the movie 4 Hoots. Young Washington is excellent and inspiring, but I'm not sure it will win any blockbuster awards. However, it tells a part of Washington’s life that many Americans have never been taught. He was not born a great leader. He became one by surviving failure, accepting responsibility, and learning from his mistakes. A 5-Hoot lesson everyone should learn from.