Power Relations and Resistance in The Last Kingdom: Seven Kings Must Die

Authors

  • Fernando Akustika Fadila Universitas Pamulang

Keywords:

film studies, narrative elements, cinematographic elements, power relations, resistance

Abstract

This study examines power relations in the film The Last Kingdom: Seven Kings Must Die (2023), directed by Edward Bazalgette, by applying Michel Foucault’s theory of power relations and resistance. The film portrays Uhtred of Bebbanburg’s struggle to support the unification of England amid political manipulation orchestrated by Ingilmundr, an Irish spy who exerts influence over King Aethelstan to advance his own ambitions. The purpose of this study is to analyze how power relations are exercised and how resistance is enacted within the narrative. Employing a descriptive qualitative method, the study analyzes selected scenes and dialogues using narrative and cinematographic elements as analytical tools. The findings reveal that Ingilmundr exercises three interconnected forms of power: dominative power through coercion and violence, subjective power through ideological and psychological manipulation, and exploitative power by mobilizing social unrest for personal gain. In response, Uhtred resists these power dynamics by challenging the ideological control exerted over Aethelstan and restoring ethical leadership grounded in justice and unity. The study concludes that the film represents power as a relational and productive force, while emphasizing resistance as a moral and strategic practice capable of disrupting manipulation and restoring social order.

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Published

2026-01-13

How to Cite

Fadila, F. A. (2026). Power Relations and Resistance in The Last Kingdom: Seven Kings Must Die. Paradigma Lingua, 6(1), 41–50. Retrieved from https://openjournal.unpam.ac.id/index.php/Paradigma/article/view/54539

Issue

Vol. 6 No. 1 (2026): Paradigma Lingua: Jurnal Penelitian Bahasa dan Sastra

Section

Articles

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