'Seven Kings Must Die' marks the end of historical drama 'The Last Kingdom'

The Last Kingdom is a well-crafted historical drama that offers an insightful look into the tumultuous period of British history. 

Based on the Saxon Stories novel series by Bernard Cornwell, the show is set in the late 9th century and follows the journey of Uhtred of Bebbanburg, a Saxon nobleman raised by Vikings who finds himself torn between his ancestral roots and the culture of the Vikings.

The show has gained a significant following due to its gripping storyline, compelling characters, and realistic depictions of historical events. 

The characters' political intrigue, battles, and complex relationships have kept audiences engaged throughout the series. Now, the saga of Uhtred finally ends with the latest sequel feature film, Seven Kings Must Die, which concludes the story of the historical drama series.

In the series, Uhtred serves King Alfred in Essex, and at the time of Alfred's death, Uhtred assures him that he will make sure that Edward becomes the next king to keep the country united. But King Edward's young successor, Aethelstan, is being radicalised by a new advisor, Ingilmundr, and multiple people are scheming to seize the English throne, including Pekka Strang's portrayal of the pagan Danish warrior king Anlaf, which is a standout performance. 

In this concluding film, the road to the throne is full of betrayal, conspiracy, and deceit. Uhtred Ragnarsson has to end his retirement and embark on a mission to unite England, which is on the verge of division. Can Uhtred keep his promise to Alfred? 

The series offers interesting perspectives on religion, sexuality, and culture. The conflict between Christianity and Pagan religions is explored, and characters are shown with different approaches to their beliefs, including genuine faith and political manipulation. 

The production team also uses various techniques to make the setting and context more accessible to viewers, such as showing onscreen place names in their original language and including excerpts from Anglo-Saxon literature. The parallels between events in the show and modern society are also highlighted.

The most criticisable aspect of the film is that it doesn't do justice to the original TV series. Concluding a historical drama series of five seasons spanning over seven years with just a less than two-hour feature film looks like a rushed and shortsighted initiative by director Edward Bazalgette. 

The film might be an underwhelming end to the beloved hero Uhtred's life journey, but it certainly serves as a closure for The Last Kingdom fans.

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