‘Hamlet’ Review – Riz Ahmed Delivers Powerhouse Performance

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.

Whether starting from the top down or vice versa, the erosion of a society often goes unchallenged until it’s too late. The breakdown can be seen in those around you; not even your own blood is immune. You’ll find the descent to be subtle, but once you notice, it’s aggressively clear. The words may be coded, and the manipulation might become commonplace, but the signs are there. Complicity and inaction will lead to disaster; however, if you stay alert and recruit help, the fall may never come.

“One may smile, and smile, and be a villain.”

Some stories are told and should be locked away, never to be seen or heard again. Then there are the timeless ones that can be retold to provoke the minds of a new generation or explore new angles. Directed by Aneil Karia, Hamlet is a calamity-driven emotional powder keg. Anchored by the powerhouse performance of Riz Ahmed, this is Shakespeare’s masterpiece like you’ve never seen it. With a modern-day setting that still upholds the language of the text, interwoven South Asian culture, and a singular focus, this version offers a deeper exploration of an unraveling mind. The film is deeply impassioned, profoundly affecting, and perpetually captivating.

Set in London and following most of the same beats as the play, Hamlet is draped in all of the trappings of modern wealth and shrouded in corruption and conspiracy. Unlike the original work that slithers through the perspectives and emotions of multiple characters, this version focuses solely on how a distraught, disgusted, and betrayed Hamlet feels after his father’s death and his mother’s unnaturally quick marriage to his uncle, Claudius, who is now the king of their empire. Now, this isn’t the first modern adaptation of a Shakespeare play and won’t be the last; however, few are done with this same level of fervent dedication. Moreover, that zeal, that passion, resides in the original dialogue, which screenwriter Michael Lesslie stays true to, omitting and altering only what is unnecessary for this new perspective. Excluding characters such as Horatio, Rosencrantz, Guildenstern, and Fortinbras, the story becomes more succinct as we truly see the situation unfold through Hamlet’s eyes. The introspective drama poses new questions as he now has no external moral compass to help guide him.

“You once did love him.”

The film’s moody atmosphere and subdued chaotic temperament will have Shakespeare fans lusting for its conclusion. Slowly bubbling with revenge and disdain, the story unfolds like a gangster lullaby. While harboring a slight supernatural touch, the film’s grounded focus on betrayal, corruption, and murder delivers the same visceral shocks and lessons in a far sleeker package.

Featuring intimate cinematography that cements scenes in your memory and a score that solidifies the tone, the stylish production design and expressive hair & makeup are icing on the cake. Karia’s direction converts the familiar into a compelling character study, retaining the source text’s sophistication while delivering it through evocative action and emotional complexity. The performances are enthralling, and the script is sharp; you’ll want to watch more than a few times. If you’re new to Shakespeare film adaptations, this is a great place to start. If Hamlet wasn’t on your radar, it should be now. Its rewatchability is high.

Pace & Pop

It’s rare to experience any of William Shakespeare’s works that feature a pace that exceeds a brisk walk. Fortunately, with its singular focus on one man and his descent, this modern take on Hamlet unfolds at a speed adjacent to a thriller. What really pops, aside from Riz Ahmed’s performance, is the film’s aesthetic. With anger and melancholy permeating the atmosphere, there’s a tone and visual appeal that envelops you in a stylish dark cloud that rains gangster.

Characters & Chemistry

Starring: Riz Ahmed, Morfydd Clark, Joe Alwyn, Sheeba Chadha, Avijit Dutt, Art Malik, Timothy Spall

While the entire cast generates performances that elevate Shakespeare’s writing, no one comes close to Riz Ahmed. Commanding every scene and wielding an astute mastery of perhaps the most iconic soliloquy, this execution will echo throughout the rest of the year. From the melancholic pondering to the subtly unhinged latent behaviors, this is how you want to experience classic literature.

Hamlet released in theaters on April 10, 2026. Stay safe and stay woke.

Rated: R Runtime: 1h 53m Director: Aneil Karia Screenplay: Michael Lesslie Based on play by: William Shakespeare Producers: Riz Ahmed, Michael Lesslie, James Wilson, Allie Moore, Tommy Oliver Director of Photography: Stuart Bentley Production Designer: Chris Oddy Costume Designer: Nirage Mirage Hair & Makeup: Lisa Mustafa Editor: Mikkel Eg Nielsen Composer: Maxwell Sterling Executive Producers: Eva Yates, Claudia Yusef, Louise Ortega