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Cast: Daisy Ridley (Star Wars: The Force Awakens, Star Wars: The Last Jedi), Naomi Watts (Mulholland Drive, King Kong), Clive Owen (Closer, Children of Men), George Mackay (Peter Pan, Captain Fantastic), and Tom Felton (Harry Potter, Rise of the Planet of the Apes)
Set in the 14th Century but spoken in a contemporary voice, OPHELIA is a dynamic re-imagining of Shakespeare’s Hamlet. Ophelia (Daisy Ridley) takes center stage as Queen Gertrude’s (Naomi Watts) most trusted lady-in-waiting. Beautiful and intelligent, she soon captures the attention of the handsome Prince Hamlet (George MacKay) and a forbidden love blossoms. As war brews, lust and betrayal are tearing Elsinore Castle apart from within and Ophelia must decide between her true love or her own life in order to protect a very dangerous secret.
Director, Claire McCarthy has taken the classic story of Hamlet and has given it a makeover putting the females in the film in front when in the original story they are in the background. The film tells the story of Hamlet through the eyes of Ophelia.
All the classic themes are here including, power, retribution and of course love. 'Ophelia' is a refreshing and mesmerizing on Shakespeare’s Hamlet. One of the first things I noticed about the film was how beautiful it looked. The settings and costumes are amazing and it immediately draws you into the 14th century. Everything production wise is top notch and it really helps in creating the mood and atmosphere.
Another thing that made the movie so good was the incredible cast. Everyone in the film did a fantastic job including, Naomi Watts who plays Queen Gertrude, George MacKay who plays Prince Hamlet and Clive Owen who plays Claudius. But the true star here is Daisy Ridley who shines as Ophelia. This is by far her most impressive and best role of her career.
Fans of "Hamlet" should check out this contemporary voiced take on the classic while those who may not be familiar with the original or just never cared for the language this is your chance to see a different side of the story.
IFC Films will release OPHELIA in theaters on June 28, 2019, and on digital / demand July 3, 2019. I highly recommend this drama/romance. A must see film that has something for both women and men and is sure to gain a following through strong word of mouth.
Released by IFC Films
**** Out Of *****