‘Young Washington’ Gives Gen Z An Aspirational Hero For The Ages

In the wake of celebrating our nation’s founding, it is harder to imagine a better time to reflect on the life of one preeminent Founding Father. Angel Studio’s Young Washington walks audiences through the lesser-known period of George Washington’s life, focusing on his pre-Revolutionary War experiences.

The movie’s message about the value of strength and endurance has clearly resonated with Americans. Young Washington opened domestically to an exceptional $20.8 million, blowing past its $15 million projections, and grossing more than $7.6 million on July 4 alone. The film was produced for just $20 million, meaning it’s on track to be a hit.

In comparison, DC’s summer blockbuster Supergirl also opened this past weekend, but only raked in $37 million. Compared to its $275 million production budget and years of fanbase development, Supergirl is not the smashing success Warner Bros was hoping for.

The disparity between Young Washington and Supergirl is not a coincidence, but indicative of a broader cultural divide. The main characters of superhero films have been trending snarky and morally grey. Supergirl’s marketing team focused on the female superhero’s angst and her role as a “girl boss.”

Pitting her against traditional heroism in trailers, the titular heroine says her cousin, Superman, “sees the good in everyone, but I see the truth.” Another trailer shows her dog peeing on a newspaper celebrating a recent Superman victory.

Young Washington gives audiences a very different message. In his own way, Washington is a superhero. His power is not rooted in super-strength or the ability to fly. His strength comes from his virtue, respect for brothers in arms, noble humility, and pursuit of a higher calling. Part of the beauty of Young Washington is seeing one of our Founding Fathers not as an infallible god, but as a courageous progenitor of excellence.

Set between 1743 and 1755, the movie focuses on Washington’s experiences in the French and Indian War. This includes his surrender at Fort Necessity and his illness during the Braddock Expedition’s attempt to retake Fort Duquesne. Along the way, Washington endures a string of hardships, but these moments showcase what ultimately propels him to greatness.

Young Washington uses George’s humanity to emphasize his excellence. When Washington mistakenly believes General Braddock ordered a retreat, he finds a dying Braddock who encourages him not to surrender. Washington returns to his fellow soldiers and rallies the troops to form a rear guard so they can return to safety. Although Washington narrowly escapes with his life and the British lose the battle, he is rewarded for his courage by being made colonel and commander of the Virginia Regiment.

The film’s underlying message is that Washington is carried by a divine providence, which is reiterated through his relationships with his older half-brother, Lawrence, and mother, Mary.  When Washington is demoralized and faces insurmountable odds, he chooses to persevere rather than to run. He stares into the face of danger, whether that means meeting the eyes of the men who he must surrender to or remaining on the battlefield after his coat is pierced with bullet holes. Washington isn’t defined by his failures but by choosing to learn from them.

Washington sets an example that young people across America can, and should, aspire to. Currently, young people are caught in a culture of despair. Rates of mental illnesses such as depression have increased among 18-29 year olds over the past few decades, especially for young men.

The Democrat Party has fanned these flames by harping on housing costs, college tuition debts, and gas prices to generate anger and hopelessness. While these are major concerns among Americans, the left isn’t offering any solutions apart from socialism, which drives up prices and reduces economic choice. The Democrat message to Gen Z is that they are victims of an insurmountable struggle, and the only solution is economic and cultural surrender.

The conservative movement needs a strong response to leftwing victimization. Washington’s life is one credible response. Young people, especially young men, deserve male role models who embrace the virtues of masculinity. They need to see that failure doesn’t define you but can lead you towards greater victory. One can achieve great things through effort, excellence, and reliance on God.

Part of the joy throughout Young Washington is the knowledge that young George, despite his hardships, will eventually lead the Continental Army to victory, frame the Constitution, and become our nation’s first president. There is an inherent hope to Young Washington, even in its darkest moments.

There is an inherent hope to the entire American experiment, even today as we face threats both at home and abroad. In the era of Zohran Mamdanis and Hasan Pikers, we need George Washingtons now more than ever.

Brooke Brandtjen is a writer and journalist from Wisconsin who focuses primarily on culture, politics, and religion. She is extremely passionate about the arts and history, and is honored to write for a variety of distinguished publications.