Claes Bang Draws the Crossbow in Nick Hamm's Epic: William Tell Review

This William Tell review looks at Nick Hamm's 2025 retelling of the famous Swiss legend, a 133-minute action drama with a grim, rugged tone. Claes Bang plays the reluctant hero, and the film tries to blend old-fashioned adventure with a darker, more brutal view of occupation.

It is an earnest, sometimes gripping epic. It is also a talky one, and that affects how well it lands.

William Tell Review: The Story So Far (No Spoilers)

The William Tell plot is set in the 14th century, when European powers fight for influence inside the Holy Roman Empire. Austria wants more land and moves against neighbouring Switzerland, a quiet, pastoral country that is poorly prepared for war.

William Tell is a hunter who has put violence behind him. Haunted by his past, he wants only a peaceful life with his family. But the cruelty of the occupying forces and the reach of the Austrian king's warlords make neutrality harder to keep.

The setup is familiar, and it follows the shape of the legend closely. If you know the story of the man with the crossbow, you will recognise the outline, even if Hamm, who also wrote the script, adds his own touches.

What Works in William Tell

The film's biggest strength is its sense of scale and momentum. There is plenty going on, and the action scenes give the story a physical, muddy edge that suits the period. One viewer said the long runtime flew by, and that matches the film's busy pace.

The tone is also worth noting. This is an R-rated action drama, and Hamm does not soften the violence of occupation. That gives the villains real menace and makes the stakes feel less like a storybook fable.

A few other highlights:

• A hero shaped by trauma rather than pure bravado.

• A clear, easy-to-follow conflict between a small nation and a powerful empire.

• Period atmosphere that favours grit over polish.

Fans of the genre will find a lot to enjoy in our action movie reviews, where sturdier swordplay and battle films sit alongside this one.

William Tell Cast and Performances

The William Tell cast is led by Claes Bang as Tell. He plays the role as a weary, inward man, which suits the character's past but can make the lead feel muted. Some viewers found his performance underwhelming, especially in the big rallying moments.

Connor Swindells plays Gessler, the ruthless figure who hunts Tell. He gives the villain a nervy, unpredictable energy, and the film is livelier when he is on screen. Golshifteh Farahani appears as Suna, Jonah Hauer-King as Rudenz, Ellie Bamber as Princess Bertha and Rafe Spall as Stauffacher.

The supporting players bring welcome variety. Farahani is a strong screen presence, though her casting has drawn debate among some online viewers. The ensemble is solid, but the script does not always give everyone room to shine.

Where William Tell Stumbles

The main problem is the dialogue. Characters talk at length about freedom, duty and loyalty, and the speeches can slow the story just when the action should be building. One reviewer called it a verbose crossbow chronology, and that is fair.

Bang's restrained style also works against the film's attempts at rousing patriotism. When the story asks us to cheer for a nation finding its voice, the emotion feels more announced than earned.

The film also leans on well-worn historical-epic beats. Viewers wanting a more surprising take on the legend may find it a little predictable. For stronger historical storytelling, browse our history movie reviews.

Is William Tell Worth Watching?

Yes, William Tell is worth watching if you like rugged historical adventures and can forgive a talky script. It is not a classic, but it is a watchable, often exciting retelling with a menacing villain and a few strong action sequences.

Audience reaction has been mixed but leaning positive, with a TMDB score of 6.2 out of 10. Some viewers praise the entertainment value and fast pace, while others find the lead flat. That split is a good guide to what to expect.

The film was released on 17 January 2025. For more on the production, see the William Tell page on IMDb.

Who Will Enjoy William Tell

• Fans of medieval action dramas who like grit over gloss.

• Viewers curious about the Swiss legend and how it can be told for modern audiences.

• Anyone who enjoys a villain-driven story with a reluctant hero at its centre.

If you prefer lighter adventures, try our adventure movie reviews instead.