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Hamlet

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71% Tomatometer 90 Reviews 56% Popcornmeter 50+ Ratings
Shakespeare's most enduring tragedy is reimagined in a bold, modern adaptation set within London's elite South Asian community. When Hamlet (Riz Ahmed) returns for his father's funeral, he is stunned to discover his uncle Claudius is marrying his newly widowed mother. Visited by his father's ghost, Hamlet learns his brutal murder was at the hands of Claudius -- and spirals into a quest for vengeance that exposes the rot at the heart of the family's empire and threatens his own sanity.

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Hamlet

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Critics Consensus

Fueled by Riz Ahmed's electrifying turn, this gritty, streamlined Hamlet boldly reimagines the classic tragedy with ferocious emotion and intent.

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Critics Reviews

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Odie Henderson Boston Globe 18h
2.5/4
I agree with Polonius that brevity is the soul of wit, but not if that brevity comes at the expense of undercutting the play’s central themes. Ahmed gives his all, but it’s not enough to elevate this version above near-miss status. Go to Full Review
Thelma Adams AARP Movies for Grownups Apr 13
3/5
hile Ahmed struggles (a bit too much) about whether to be or not to be, it may be worth a theater ticket to witness a tremendous character actor like Malik put his stamp on the coveted role of the murderous Claudius. Go to Full Review
Mick LaSalle San Francisco Chronicle Apr 13
1/4
Beyond flashy but empty gestures, little or no thought went into making sense of the update. Go to Full Review
Kat Halstead Common Sense Media 13h
3/5
Ahmed is really the selling point of this London-set adaptation of Shakespeare's classic play, stepping into the iconic role with a fitting intensity and sense of danger just barely under control. Go to Full Review
James Verniere Boston Movie News Apr 14
C+
Ahmed is powerful, but the play has been so stripped down that it is a shadow of Shakespeare's masterpiece. Go to Full Review
Andrew Parker The Gate Apr 14
6/10
And while "the play’s" very much "the thing" here, Ahmed’s leading turn is more than enough reason to take notice of this version of the tale. Go to Full Review
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Audience Reviews

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christopher b 2d Ahmed is brilliant, as usual. See more Robert M 4d A "Hamlet" for our time on film. See more Elizabeth 5d A fresh, modern take on Shakespeare’s classic story. Riz Ahmed gives Hamlet new dimension. See more lu 6d The scene of "to be...", when Hamlet holds his hands up, barreling to certain death, in prayer is incredible! See more R R 6d Exceptional cast. Captivating cinematography. Clever re-telling of Hamlet set to modern environment. A bit slow to start, but really picks up the pace in the second half. Riz Ahmed is truly mesmerizing to watch from beginning to end. What a consummate artist/actor. See more Diana Apr 15 Beautifully scripted fresh take on the play. See more Read all reviews
Hamlet

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Hamlet

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Movie Info

Synopsis Shakespeare's most enduring tragedy is reimagined in a bold, modern adaptation set within London's elite South Asian community. When Hamlet (Riz Ahmed) returns for his father's funeral, he is stunned to discover his uncle Claudius is marrying his newly widowed mother. Visited by his father's ghost, Hamlet learns his brutal murder was at the hands of Claudius -- and spirals into a quest for vengeance that exposes the rot at the heart of the family's empire and threatens his own sanity.
Director
Aneil Karia
Producer
James Wilson, Riz Ahmed, Michael Lesslie, Allie Moore, Tommy Oliver
Screenwriter
Michael Lesslie
Distributor
Vertical
Production Co
Left Handed Films, Storyteller Productions, JW Films, Confluential Films
Rating
R (Suicide|Brief Drug Use|Some Bloody Violence|Language)
Genre
Drama
Original Language
English
Release Date (Theaters)
Apr 10, 2026, Limited
Runtime
1h 53m
Aspect Ratio
Digital 2.39:1
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