Movie Review: Young Washington (2026)

Young Washington, directed by Jon Erwin and starring William Franklyn-Miller as a young George Washington, explores the formative years of America’s first president during the French and Indian War.

Rather than focusing on Washington’s presidency or his leadership during the American Revolution, the film tells the story of an ambitious young man whose dreams, failures, and difficult experiences forged the character that would later change history.  

Brief Summary

The story follows George Washington as an ambitious young Virginian determined to earn distinction as an officer in the British Army. Confident in his abilities and eager to prove himself, Washington embarks on military missions that expose both his courage and his immaturity.

His early mistakes contribute to the outbreak of the French and Indian War, and he experiences disappointment when the British fail to recognize him as he had hoped. Instead of receiving the life he envisioned, Washington is forced down a path marked by failure, humility, and hard-earned wisdom. Ironically, those very disappointments prepare him for the leadership that will eventually make him the commander of the Continental Army and the first President of the United States.   

The film balances exciting battle sequences with quieter moments of personal growth, showing that greatness is often born from adversity rather than immediate success.

Overall Rating: ★★★★½ (4.5 out of 5)

While some critics wished for deeper characterization, Young Washington succeeds in portraying Washington not as an untouchable legend but as a young man who matured through failure, disappointment, and perseverance.  

Lessons for Bible Study

One of the greatest strengths of Young Washington is that it demonstrates how God often prepares people for future assignments through experiences they would never have chosen.

1. Sometimes God Says “No” to Prepare Us for Something Better

One of the central themes of the film is Washington’s desire to become a respected British officer. That dream never materialized. At the time, his disappointment likely felt like failure. Yet God’s providence or, from a biblical perspective, the shaping of circumstances beyond one’s control—placed him on a different path that ultimately led to his greatest calling.

Biblical Principle: “The heart of man plans his way, but the LORD establishes his steps.” (Proverbs 16:9, ESV)

Application: Many believers experience closed doors that later prove to be God’s redirection. The career we lose, the opportunity that disappears, or the dream that dies may actually prepare us for something far greater than we imagined.

Discussion Question: Have you ever experienced a disappointment that God later used for your good?

2. Youthful Zeal Is No Substitute for Wisdom

Washington possessed courage, ambition, and confidence. Yet his enthusiasm often exceeded his judgment. His mistakes reveal that passion alone cannot replace wisdom, experience, and humility.

Biblical Principle: “The way of a fool is right in his own eyes, but a wise man listens to advice.” (Proverbs 12:15, ESV)

Young believers should certainly be passionate about serving God, but spiritual maturity grows through teachability and a willingness to learn from others.

3. God Uses Our Mistakes to Prepare Us for Future Victories

One of the most encouraging messages of the film is that Washington’s failures did not define him. Instead, they became classrooms where he learned lessons that later enabled him to lead the Continental Army successfully.

His early defeats became the foundation for later victories.

Biblical Principle: “And we know that for those who love God all things work together for good.” (Romans 8:28, ESV)

God does not waste our failures. When surrendered to Him, even painful mistakes become tools for growth and future ministry.

4. Humility Often Comes Before Leadership

Washington entered the story eager to prove himself. By the end, he had learned that true leadership requires humility, patience, and dependence upon others.

Biblical Principle: “Humble yourselves before the Lord, and he will exalt you.” (James 4:10, ESV)

Many people desire positions of influence, but God often develops leaders through seasons of obscurity, correction, and disappointment.

5. Character Is Forged in Adversity

The hardships Washington endured, battlefield failures, rejection, and loss, shaped his character more than his successes ever could.

Biblical Principle “Suffering produces endurance, and endurance produces character, and character produces hope.” (Romans 5:3–4, ESV)

God frequently develops His servants through difficult seasons rather than comfortable ones.

6. Courage Must Be Guided by Wisdom

Washington demonstrated extraordinary bravery throughout the film, but he gradually learned that courage without wisdom can become recklessness.

Biblical Principle: “The fear of the LORD is the beginning of wisdom.” (Proverbs 9:10, ESV)

God calls believers to be both courageous and discerning.

7. God’s Preparation Is Often Hidden

Perhaps the greatest lesson of Young Washington is that Washington could not have understood how his present circumstances were preparing him for his future calling. Every setback became part of God’s larger story.

Biblical Principle:

The story recalls the experience of Joseph, who endured betrayal, slavery, and imprisonment before becoming the leader God intended him to be (see Genesis 37-50).

Like Joseph, Washington’s path was shaped more by unexpected detours than by personal ambition.

Bible Study Reflection

Young Washington reminds us that God often writes our stories very differently than we would write them ourselves. George Washington longed for honor in the British Army, but that unfulfilled ambition became the very means by which he was prepared to lead a new nation. His youthful enthusiasm was tempered by painful lessons, and his failures became stepping stones to future success.

The film reinforces a timeless biblical truth: God’s greatest work in our lives frequently occurs during seasons of disappointment. What appears to be defeat today may be preparation for tomorrow’s calling. As believers, we can trust that God is shaping our character through every success, setback, and unexpected turn.

A fitting verse to conclude both the film and a Bible study discussion is:

“Count it all joy, my brothers, when you meet trials of various kinds, for you know that the testing of your faith produces steadfastness.” (James 1:2–3, ESV)

Like George Washington in Young Washington, Christians are reminded that faithfulness through trials often becomes the foundation for God’s greater purposes.