The film largely takes place during the 3-year period from 1304, when Bruce decides to rebel against the rule of Edward I over Scotland, up to 1307 Battle of Loudoun Hill.

[2][3][4] The film starred an ensemble cast led by Chris Pine as Robert the Bruce, alongside Aaron Taylor-Johnson, Florence Pugh, Billy Howle, Sam Spruell, Tony Curran, Callan Mulvey, James Cosmo, and Stephen Dillane.

In 1304, outside the besieged Stirling Castle, John Comyn, Robert Bruce and their allies surrender to Edward I of England and pay him their homage.

Afterwards, Bruce spars with the king's son, Edward, Prince of Wales, whom he had known as a child (their fathers becoming friends whilst fighting on crusade in the Holy Land).

The King and Prince depart Scotland, with Bruce and Comyn acting as their vassals under the supervision of the Earl of Pembroke, Aymer de Valence.

Not long after, his father, the Lord of Annandale, dies, fearing his friendship with the King of England may have been an error.

To avoid bloodshed, he challenges de Valence to single combat, who accepts but delays the duel a day, as it is Sunday.

Elizabeth and Marjorie Bruce are sent to safety with his brother Nigel, and he fights a losing battle, during which most of the Scottish army is killed.

Filming took place in various locations including Linlithgow Palace & Loch, and St Michael's Parish Church,[5] Borthwick Castle, Doune Castle, Craigmillar Castle,[6] Dunfermline Abbey,[7] Glasgow Cathedral,[8] Muiravonside Country Park, Mugdock Country Park,[9][10] Aviemore, Isle of Skye (Talisker Bay, Coral Beaches and Loch Dunvegan), Glen Coe, Loch Lomond, Gargunnock, University of Glasgow,[11] Blackness Castle,[12] Seacliff Beach and Berwick-upon-Tweed[13] and Tweedmouth (the latter two both in Northumberland - Berwick-upon-Tweed's bridge doubling for London Bridge).

The website's consensus reads: "Muddy and bloody to a fault, Outlaw King doesn't skimp on the medieval battle scenes, but tends to lose track of the fact-based legend at the heart of its story.

[23] The film shows Robert I marrying Elizabeth de Burgh after surrendering to Edward I. Bruce's second marriage actually occurred years before in 1302.

Even if he had been present and challenged Bruce to personal combat, a hostage as valuable as Edward II would not have been allowed to flee.

The title character in Outlaw King is that of an enigmatic and well-behaved man of the people who desires to restore Scotland to its inhabitants.

However, historian Fiona Watson notes the real Robert I was most likely cold, canny, and driven by his personal ambition.

Historian Fergus Cannan notes that while many historical writers comment on its prevalence, it remains absent from appearances in popular culture related to Scottish history.