Outlaw King 2018

In the year 1304, as the siege of Stirling Castle rages on, Scottish nobles, including John Comyn and Robert Bruce, find themselves yielding to King Edward I of England (Stephen Dillane). The Scots, having faced a power vacuum following their king’s death without an heir, sought Edward’s protection only to find themselves subjugated instead. In a deceptive show of goodwill, King Edward promises the restoration of their lands in return for their loyalty. Amidst the tension, Bruce finds himself in a confrontation with Edward’s overconfident heir, Prince of Wales, and soon after, he is wed to Edward’s goddaughter, Elizabeth De Burgh.

As the camp celebrates, James Douglas arrives to reclaim his lands but is rebuffed by Edward, who harbors contempt for the Clan Douglas. With Edward and his son departing, governance of Scotland is left in the hands of Comyn, Bruce, and Aymer de Valence, a loyal noble. The wedding night between Bruce and Elizabeth is approached with respect, delaying consummation at her request. However, Bruce soon bears witness to the grim fate that befalls his father, the Lord of Annandale (James Cosmo), and the forced enlistment of his servants into the English army.

Two years pass with growing unrest among the Scots, fueled by the shocking public display of William Wallace’s mutilated body. Recognizing the growing discontent, Bruce begins to strategize a revolt. He confides in his family, who bolster his resolve, even Elizabeth, despite her English heritage. Bruce seeks an alliance with Comyn, foreseeing a combined force of 20,000 men, but Comyn’s refusal leads Bruce to a tragic decision as he fatally stabs Comyn, inciting the clergy to offer him a pardon in return for his acceptance of the crown.

Upon accepting this proposition, Bruce is soon branded an outlaw as Edward prepares to crush his uprising. Disappointed by the nobles’ unwillingness to withdraw their oaths to Edward, Bruce presses on to Scone for his crowning, where James Douglas, recognizing his cause, pledges his allegiance. Bruce becomes King of the Scots, yet tensions escalate as De Valence plots against him. Bruce attempts a peaceful resolution through single combat; however, his plans are disrupted when the English launch a surprise assault that results in a staggering loss of Scottish lives.

In the aftermath, Bruce and a few loyal men flee to Islay, where they face yet more betrayal and violence, leading to the heartbreaking loss of his brother. The conflict escalates as Edward II becomes the new king, disregarding his father’s wishes and seeking vengeance against Bruce. Though outnumbered, Bruce’s tactical ingenuity shines during the Battle of Loudoun Hill, where Scottish forces, utilizing concealed spear walls, outmaneuver the heavily armored English cavalry.

The climactic showdown culminates in a personal duel between Bruce and Edward II, showcasing intense bravery and honor, as Bruce, victorious, allows the prince to retreat unharmed. The story concludes with Bruce’s ultimate triumph, the release of Elizabeth, and the eventual unification of the crowns of England and Scotland centuries later, highlighting the enduring legacy of his fight for freedom and identity.