In theaters on April 10 is ‘Hamlet’, a fresh update of William Shakespeare’s famous tragedy, which features Riz Ahmed (‘Sound of Metal’), who plays a version of the troubled Dane, here the heir to an elite South Asian empire in modern-day London.
The cast also includes Art Malik (‘True Lies’), Joe Alwyn (‘Kinds of Kindness’), Morfydd Clark (‘Saint Maud’), Timothy Spall (‘Mr. Turner’) and Sheeba Chaddha (‘Songs of Paradise’).
Related Article: Riz Ahmed Talks ‘Hamlet’ and Why Shakespeare’s Play Is Still Relevant
Initial Thoughts
(L to R) Morfydd Clark and Riz Ahmed in 'Hamlet'. Photo: Focus Features.
If you’re going to tackle a Shakespeare play on film –– particularly the complex web of family tragedy that is ‘Hamlet’ -- be prepared for challenges. But with this present-day version, director Aneil Karia and writer Michael Lesslie bring a fierce energy to their effort.
Script and Direction
Shakespeare is not easy to adapt, and Lesslie here sticks to the traditional language for the most part (while still needing to cut plenty to avoid an overlong running time). But the changes and substitutions (London for Denmark and the use of Indian culture) truly work well.
Karia, meanwhile brings real panache and style, making the world feel relevant and also, in places, timely.
Cast and Performances
It’s really Ahmed’s show, and he chews on one of the trickiest parts in drama. Sequences such as the “To be or not to be” soliloquy give him something to truly work with.
Which isn’t to dismiss an impressive supporting cast, especially Art Malik as scheming uncle Claudius and Morfydd Clark, who brings humanity to the relatively smaller role of Ophelia.
Final Thoughts
Even if you’ve dismissed Shakespeare as impenetrable, the new ‘Hamlet’ shows what can happen in sure hands, the emotion on full display. Purists may balk at the changes, but this is a worthwhile adaptation.
‘Hamlet’ receives 75 out of 100.
Who is in the cast of ‘Hamlet’?
- Riz Ahmed as Prince Hamlet
- Art Malik as Claudius
- Morfydd Clark as Ophelia
- Joe Alwyn as Laertes
- Sheeba Chaddha as Gertrude
- Timothy Spall as Polonius
- Avijit Dutt as the ghost of Hamlet's father
List of Riz Ahmed Movies and TV Shows:
- 'Four Lions' (2010)
- 'Centurion' (2010)
- 'The Reluctant Fundamentalist' (2013)
- 'Nightcrawler' (2014)
- 'Jason Bourne' (2016)
- 'Rogue One: A Star Wars Story' (2016)
- 'The Night Of' (2016)
- 'The OA' (2016-2019)
- 'The Sisters Brothers' (2018)
- 'Venom' (2018)
- 'Sound of Metal' (2020)
- 'Mogul Mowgli' (2021)
- 'The Long Goodbye' (2020)
- 'Flee' (2021)
- 'Nimona' (2023)
- 'Relay' (2025)
- 'The Phoenician Scheme' (2025)
- 'Hamlet' (2026)
- 'Bait' (2026)
