HAMLET (2025) -- A Modern Take Worth Watching

Review by Chadd Clubine

Don’t be fooled—this is very much a new adaptation of Hamlet. It’s easy to confuse it with last year’s Hamnet, which, somewhat ironically, also stars Joe Alwyn, but the two are entirely different. For a story that has been revisited countless times, this version feels refreshingly modern, in the same spirit as Baz Luhrmann’s Romeo + Juliet. Despite the familiarity of its title and plot, what truly sets this film apart—and makes it worth watching—is Riz Ahmed’s compelling performance in the lead role.

There’s something enduring about Shakespeare’s work—it continues to feel timeless no matter the era. By bringing the source material into a modern setting, the film underscores just how relevant and revered his writing remains today. That said, for viewers unfamiliar with Shakespeare, the language and style may feel challenging, making it harder to fully grasp what’s happening. Still, for many, the experience offers a chance to see firsthand how his stories transcend time and to develop a deeper appreciation for his work. While Riz Ahmed delivers a powerful lead performance and the film offers a distinct perspective, it ultimately doesn’t venture far beyond what has already been done—especially for those who already know the story.
​
When you watch a play, there are no second chances—no cuts, no resets. The actors must fully inhabit the material, carrying it forward in real time. This new adaptation of Hamlet could have easily gone to a less prominent name, but Riz Ahmed takes on the project as both actor and producer, clearly demonstrating his deep respect for the source. Through extended, unbroken takes of Ahmed delivering lengthy monologues, the film captures something close to the immediacy of live theater. He brings a remarkable emotional intensity to the role, one that not only elevates the performance, but also deepens the sense of just how timeless Shakespeare’s work truly is.

The cinematography often feels like a deliberate and inspired choice. For much of its runtime, the film embraces a distinctly cinematic style, demonstrating how Shakespeare’s work can move beyond the stage and thrive on the big screen. There are several striking sequences throughout, including a standout moment in which Ahmed drives on the wrong side of the road—easily one of the film’s most memorable scenes. That said, the film occasionally betrays its limitations. In its quieter, more intimate moments, it can feel somewhat low-budget, and those scenes don’t always give the dialogue the weight it needs. For material like this, where language carries so much of the impact, the lack of intensity can dull its effectiveness.

For a story this familiar to stand out, it needs a clear and distinctive vision—and the film finds that, to an extent, through Aneil Karia’s direction. Each scene, whether large in scale or quietly intimate, feels purposeful in reinforcing the film’s themes. From Hamlet encountering his father’s ghost to more grounded, visceral moments like Hamlet grabbing a knife, every choice carries emotional weight. Given its contemporary setting and approach, the film might have benefited from a different title—one that signals a looser, more interpretive take on the material. Retaining elements of Shakespeare’s dialogue while more boldly reimagining the story for a modern audience could have helped it feel fresher. As it stands, the film could have pushed further in terms of originality to better distinguish itself, especially in an era where reinterpretations and remakes are so common.
​
Overall, this new version of Hamlet features one of Riz Ahmed’s strongest performances to date, as he pours an extraordinary amount of heart and soul into the role. The modern approach reinforces just how timeless Shakespeare’s work remains, while offering a fresh visual lens through which to experience it. Although the film doesn’t always achieve the level of originality needed to fully set itself apart, Ahmed’s performance alone gives it a distinct and compelling edge.

Hamlet (2025) is in theaters April 10th!

RATING: 3/5