Watch Portrait of a Knight

Portrait of a Knight is a 2018 independent film that explores the life of a disillusioned and lonely knight, Sir Daniel, played by Phillip Leslie-Collins. The movie begins with an introduction to Sir Daniel, who has obviously seen better days. He's alone, his armor is rusty, and his horse not much better off than he is. Sir Daniel is a knight without a purpose, and he has been wandering the countryside for years looking for something to give his life meaning.

When he arrives at a small village on the outskirts of a grand kingdom, he meets a young woman named Miranda, played by Hannah Gaisford. She's a talented painter who takes on small jobs to make a living. She's also a woman who has been cast aside by society because of her gender, a theme that runs throughout the movie. Sir Daniel is skeptical of Miranda at first, but he soon recognizes her talent and becomes intrigued by her.

Miranda, on the other hand, is fascinated by the knight. She sees him as a subject for her art and convinces him to let her paint his portrait. Sir Daniel agrees, and over time, their relationship grows. They talk about life, love, and the world around them. Sir Daniel, finally having someone to talk to, opens up about his innermost feelings, and Miranda listens intently.

But their newfound friendship is threatened when a group of bandits attack the village. Sir Daniel springs into action, using his knightly skills to fight off the attackers. It's a turning point for him, and he realizes that he just may have found the purpose he's been looking for.

As the story unfolds, we see Sir Daniel and Miranda become closer and grow to care for each other deeply. However, their love is forbidden in a society where a knight and a painter from humble beginnings cannot be together, and they are forced to confront the reality of their situation.

Throughout the movie, the cinematography is stunning. Beautiful landscapes and scenery transport the viewers to another time, and the costumes are expertly designed to reflect the medieval period. The music also plays a significant role in the film, evoking the emotions of the characters and drawing the audiences further into the story.

The acting in the movie is fantastic. Phillip Leslie-Collins delivers a standout performance as Sir Daniel, capturing the knight's emotional journey from a lonely wanderer to a man with purpose. Hannah Gaisford also shines as Miranda, bringing depth and nuance to a character that could have easily become a caricature.

Portrait of a Knight is not an action-packed adventure, but a poignant character study with themes of love, identity, and societal expectations. It's a beautiful film that lingers in the mind long after the credits roll. The movie received critical acclaim and several awards, including Best Picture at the Los Angeles Independent Film Festival Awards in 2018. It’s a must-watch for fans of historical dramas, as well as anyone who appreciates a well-crafted, emotionally resonant story.