Hamlet review: TIFF 2025
‘Hamlet’ is a contemporary production of Shakespeare’s play, updating the setting to modern-day England, but not the dialogue.
As we well know by now, Hamlet (Riz Ahmed) returns home for his father, the king’s, funeral. While overcome with grief, he learns his father’s brother, Claudius (Art Malik), is set to marry his mother, Gertrude (Sheeba Chaddha), and assume the crown. Hamlet is distraught and becomes convinced his uncle conspired to murder his father and take his place. His suspicions drive him mad, pushing away his love interest, Ophelia (Morfydd Clark), and best friend, Laertes (Joe Alwyn). Hamlet decides he will expose his uncle’s guilt with a play that depicts an assassination similar to his father’s death. Based on his uncle’s and mother’s reactions, Hamlet will know if they carried out the plot or not.
Most people will be aware that this story, like all Shakespearean tragedies, does not have a happy ending. That said, audiences may require a familiarity with the original source to fully understand the film as it’s presented. Initially, there is a lack of clarity because in their emotional states, the actors fail to enunciate their words. Early prose and verse can already be difficult to understand, but when the words all run together it can be nearly impossible. Although this issue remedies itself as the film progresses, others arise.
Read the full review of Hamlet at thatshelf.com
