William Shakespeare adaptations are a dime a dozen, but there aren’t so many that can be called bold and culturally dynamic. Hamlet — the newest adaptation of the famous play starring Riz Ahmed in the тιтle role, and hailing from director Aneil Karia and screenwriter Michael Lesslie — is both. The film is a contemporary retelling of the work, but the dialogue maintains its original Shakespearean language.

In this adaptation, Hamlet comes from new money. The son of a wealthy company head, Hamlet returns to London following his father’s death. At the funeral, Hamlet’s uncle, Claudius (Art Malik), reveals he’s marrying Gertrude (Sheeba Chaddha), Hamlet’s mother. It’s the first of many shocking moments that Hamlet must endure. After his father’s ghost reveals he was murdered by Claudius, Hamlet works to avenge his father.

The film might throw you off with its dialogue — at least at first. But then it falls into a rhythm, and what stands out here is that Karia lingers on the actors’ faces, allowing them to nonverbally express their emotions before a word is ever said. There’s so much weight in these moments that it’s easy to dive headfirst into the plot and Hamlet’s long road towards revenge. The story is as theatrical as it gets, fueled by tension and heated, unhinged rage.

Hamlet’s Technical Achievements Are Outstanding

Riz Ahmed Also Delivers A Stunning Performance

This is elevated by Stuart Bentley’s stunning cinematography. At times gritty and sometimes opulent, the visuals speak to Hamlet’s journey as he moves through different settings, exemplifying the character’s downward spiral. The musical score by Maxwell Sterling is also terrific, oscillating between deliriously intense and haunting. It’s a moment where all the filmmaking elements come together nicely, turning a film that could have been somewhat messy into a visceral visual and auditory experience.

It makes great use of its outstanding cast, who give their all in pᴀssionate performances. Riz Ahmed is obviously a standout. He is one of the most versatile actors working today, and Hamlet is a true showcase of his talents. Ahmed plays Hamlet as an angry, confused, and lost man who feels betrayed by his family. The layers of pain are prominent — verbally, physically, and psychologically. It’s his descent into a madness that drives Ahmed’s affecting performance.

Art Malik as Claudius is quietly cruel. His distant treatment of Hamlet underscores the latter’s growing isolation from the family. There’s a phenomenal dance sequence during Claudius and Gertrude’s wedding that masterfully conveys his horror regarding Hamlet and how much he knows. The scene is so well-staged and choreographed, with the lights blinking on the dancers, turning them eerie.

Hamlet has a thoughtful interpretation of the material. Hamlet is the only one who sees the ghost of his ᴅᴇᴀᴅ father, and he goes to great lengths to prove — at least to himself — that the information revealed about his uncle is true. Hamlet goes through various stages, but none are so potent as his confusion surrounding his own place in his family.

All that said, the film won’t be for everyone. It’s long, and the film takes its time getting to the end. But even with its slower pace, there’s always something worth engaging with narratively. The use of Shakespearean dialogue isn’t always easy to understand, but the spirit of what is being said is felt. With an exceptional performance from Ahmed and style meets substance storytelling, Hamlet is a journey worth taking.

Hamlet screened at the 2025 Toronto International Film Festival.