Set across twelve years in the adolescence and early adulthood of George Washington (William Franklyn-Miller), Young Washington charts the rise of America’s first president from an outcast raised by his no-nonsense mother (Mary-Louise Parker) to a soldier fighting to survive a global conflict. As alliances crumble, he must confront his enemies and who he wants to become.

An extraordinarily ambitious period piece, Jon Erwin’s historical biopic is a pulse-pounding recreation of a less explored period in the life of the first president of the United States. Featuring a star-studded cast including Andy Serkis, Kelsey Grammer and Ben Kingsley, Young Washington is a showcase of exemplary performances and announces Franklyn-Miller as a star to watch.—Cara Cusumano