The Uprising: Andrew Garfield Tackles Faith and Rebellion in a Gripping Historical Epic

Andrew Garfield has built a career portraying men locked in intense spiritual battles. From the silent struggles of a Jesuit priest in Silence to the unwavering conviction of Desmond Doss in Hacksaw Ridge, Garfield excels at exploring the intersection of humanity and divinity. In his latest project, The Uprising, directed by the acclaimed Paul Greengrass, Garfield once again steps into the spiritual fray.

Set in the turbulent landscape of 1381 England, The Uprising follows the journey of the Ploughman, an ordinary farmer who becomes an unlikely leader during the Peasants’ Revolt. This isn’t just a story of political rebellion; it is a profound exploration of faith, justice, and the dismantling of oppressive systems.

Deconstructing Faith in a Corrupt System

In The Uprising, Garfield’s character grapples with a critical distinction: the difference between God and the religious institutions that claim to speak for Him. Garfield describes the character’s arc as a process of “dismantling a bastardized form of Christianity” that had been weaponized to maintain wealth and power for the elite.

The film captures the suffocating atmosphere of a hierarchical society where questioning the King—seen as God’s mouthpiece—was considered treason. This spiritual imprisonment leads the Ploughman to seek God not in cathedrals or decrees, but in the simplicity of nature, the wind, and the shared suffering of his fellow humans.

A Mirror to Modern Times: The Greengrass Vision

Director Paul Greengrass, known for the high-tension energy of the Bourne series, found a surprising parallel between the 14th century and the present day. Having contemplated the Peasants’ Revolt during the COVID-19 pandemic, Greengrass noted the striking similarities between the social upheaval following the Black Death and the modern era’s institutional distrust.

Key themes explored in the film include:

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• Institutional Betrayal: How power structures exploit faith to hoard resources.
• The Quest for Justice: The belief that true divine law stands for fairness and equality.
• Spiritual Homelessness: The feeling of being unanchored in a rapidly changing and unfair world.

Greengrass emphasizes that while the setting is medieval, the emotional core is contemporary. The feeling that “the world is rigged” is a sentiment that resonates across political spectrums today.

The Voice of the Marginalized: Alyce’s Story

Adding another layer of depth is Thomasin McKenzie, who portrays Alyce. Her character represents the women who participated in the revolt, offering a poignant look at the limited options available to women of the era. Alyce’s journey from seeking sanctuary in the church to feeling betrayed by it fuels a raw, vengeful anger that eventually leads to a deeper question: What comes after the fury?

Ultimately, The Uprising suggests that while structures of power may crumble, faith can survive—and even thrive—when it is rooted in love and community rather than control.

When to Watch

Prepare for a cinematic experience that blends historical brutality with spiritual awakening. The Uprising, produced by Focus Features, hits theaters on September 10. If you are a fan of historical dramas that challenge the status quo and explore the depths of the human spirit, this is a must-watch.