There is no doubt that William Shakespeare is one of the most-celebrated authors of all time. The way he wrote about love, guilt, and loss resonates with people even centuries later. That is what we see Hollywood coming out of movies based on Shakespeare's iconic writings, like Othello, The Taming of the Shrew, and more. However, nothing comes close to Hamlet, which is often considered to be one of the most influential tragedies in the history of English literature.

Over the years, there have been several projects based on the aforementioned play, but none feel quite as unique as Aneil Karia's take. Starring Riz Ahmed in the lead role, Hamlet is not about a guy holding a skull and talking to himself in a castle. Instead, it gives something new and thrilling to the audience, providing an enthralling perspective on a story that we all know too well. 

The movie chronicles Prince Hamlet's (Riz Ahmed) journey home for his father's funeral. Right from the beginning, the atmosphere is heavy. He performs the traditional rituals and tries to overcome the grief by getting in touch with other family members. The decision to show Ahmed's character traditionally performing the rituals adds a layer of cultural richness and makes his isolation even more profound. However, things take a wild turn when he discovers that his mother, Gertrude (played by Sheeba Chadha), is already set to marry his uncle Claudius (played by Art Malik).

Hamlet is shocked, and the betrayal sends him spiraling. Even though a lot is happening around him in the outside world, Karia decides to put emphasis on the lead character's internal world, and it pays off. As the story progresses, we see Hamlet walking through the neon-soaked streets of London, where he encounters the ghost of his father. This encounter not only symbolizes the kind of relationship he shared with his father but also serves as a haunting experience that sets Hamlet on a path of revenge. That is where the film turns out to be something different than what we have seen in the past.

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By focusing on just the character and stripping away the secondary plotlines that usually clutter Hamlet, the movie becomes a lean, mean character study. The storytelling here is not clean or straightforward. It jumps between moments, but that unevenness seems intentional. It feels like the narrative is built around emotion rather than structure, which gives the project a slightly unpredictable rhythm. There are also moments when the film feels a little experimental. A few scenes do not take the grounded approach and lean into something more theatrical. 

Not all of these choices land perfectly, and some feel a bit too self-aware, like the film is reminding you that it is adapting a classic. But at least it is trying something different instead of playing it safe. 

Technically, Hamlet is a total standout. The cinematography is brilliant and one of the primary aspects that keeps you glued to your screens. It moves between the sterile, muted tones of the family mansion and the electric, vibrating energy of London at night. The use of color is stunning, especially the contrast between the vibrant funeral and wedding scenes against the dark, rainy alleyways where Hamlet loses his mind. It feels like a "noir" film, where the shadows are just as important as the actors.

And then there is Riz Ahmed. There are not many actors today who consistently deliver such strong performances and still feel underrated, but Ahmed is one of them. He does not play the iconic character as a madman in the theatrical sense. Instead, he takes a different route and plays him as a man suffering a massive mental breakdown due to anger and raw hurt. His portrayal is so nuanced and physical; you can almost feel his heart racing through the screen. Even when he is not saying anything, his expressions make you realize what exactly he wants to convey. His silence is louder than words. 

The supporting cast is as brilliant as it is, given the limited time they have. Art Malik as Claudius is menacing, and Morfydd Clark brings a fragile, ghostly quality to Ophelia, even if the script gives her less to do than usual. Meanwhile, Sheeba Chadha as Gertrude is extraordinary. Her character is written with a bit more emotional complexity here. You are never quite sure where she stands, and that ambiguity adds to the tension.

All in all, this version of Hamlet is a bold experiment that succeeds with flying colors. It treats the source material with respect but is not afraid to cut out some of the bits to make something that feels relevant for the current times. If you’re looking for a traditional Shakespeare experience, this might shock you, but if you want a movie that actually makes you feel the weight of Hamlet’s soul, this is it. It is a loud, stylish, and heartbreaking look at how grief can turn into a weapon.

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Did you watch Hamlet? What did you think of it? Let us know your thoughts.