Movie magic and thrilling female empowerment come to life when Hamlet is revisited from a female perspective in Ophelia—an imaginative re-imagining of Shakespeare’s tragic story.
Ophelia Review
The movie kicks off with Ophelia saying, “You may think you know my story…” What follows is an engaging, romantic epic that feels like a mix of Romeo and Juliet, Ever After, young adult romance, and Shakespearean tragedy, but with a modern feminist twist.
The Story
Inspired by the young adult novel by Lisa Klein, director Claire McCarthy offers a fresh version of Ophelia. This rendition dials down the madness and hysteria while focusing on feminist triumph in a more light-hearted manner.
Ophelia, starting off as a tomboy similar to Danielle from Ever After, captures the attention of Queen Gertrude (Naomi Watts) and becomes a lady-in-waiting. As she matures (played by Daisy Ridley from Star Wars), Prince Hamlet (George MacKay) takes an interest in her.
Soon, a forbidden love blooms amid political corruption, war, and growing madness within the kingdom. As the King is murdered, the classic tale of Hamlet unfolds, but with some intriguing twists. Notably, Naomi Watts plays dual roles as the queen and her sister, accused of witchcraft. This is perhaps the most captivating change to the original story.
The Cast
Alongside Daisy Ridley and Naomi Watts, the movie features Clive Owen as the villainous Claudius, George McKay as the pensive Hamlet, Nathaniel Parker as the King, Tom Felton as Ophelia’s brother Laertes, Dominic Mafham as Polonius, and Devon Terrell as Horatio.
The casting is excellent, though Parker’s King is somewhat underutilized with limited screen time. While Ridley and Watts deliver standout performances, Devon Terrell as Horatio exudes charisma and is definitely a young star to watch.
Naomi Watts arguably shines the brightest, especially in the film’s climax. Both of her characters contribute to the emotionally intense finale, making her performance a highlight of the movie.
The Production
The film’s visual style is inspired by John Everett Millais’ famous 19th-century painting of Ophelia. With a Romanticism-infused, Pre-Raphaelite art aesthetic, the movie is visually captivating, though it could benefit from a bit more brightness. The art and set design, along with cinematography, enhance the quality of this indie film.
The costumes are stunning—even if not entirely historically accurate—with impressive use of color and design.
The script is well-written, though some parts feel underdeveloped. Claire McCarthy’s directorial vision stands out, and it would be exciting to see more of her work.
The musical score by Steven Price is exceptional, one of the finest in recent memory. While unlikely to win an Academy Award, it deserves a nomination for its ethereal quality and storytelling power. The editing also stands out, integrating the musical score in a way that feels like a perfect marriage of music video and film.
There are a few flaws, such as the less convincing portrayal of madness and the underexplored character of Horatio, who might have had deeper feelings for Ophelia. Additionally, the dialogue occasionally feels too modern, straddling the line between Shakespearean language and contemporary YA romance.
Overall Review of Ophelia
Ophelia is a compelling historical romance that offers a refreshing take on a well-known story. The changes are well-executed and make for an entertaining film. If you’re a fan of fairy tale retellings or stories centered around female empowerment, Ophelia is a must-watch.
Content Note: PG-13 for sensuality, sexual harassment, and violence.
