Ophelia (2018)
Film Review: Ophelia (2018) – A Fresh Feminist Take on Shakespeare’s Tragedy
Ophelia (2018), directed by Claire McCarthy and starring Daisy Ridley, reimagines Shakespeare’s Hamlet through the eyes of one of its most tragic and often sidelined characters: Ophelia. With vibrant cinematography, a modern feminist lens, and a sweeping romantic narrative, the film invites audiences to see Elsinore anew — not as Hamlet’s stage, but as Ophelia’s story.
Plot Summary
Set in medieval Denmark, Ophelia tells the story of a young woman navigating court politics, forbidden love, and a kingdom on the brink of chaos. Ophelia (Ridley), a commoner taken in by Queen Gertrude (Naomi Watts) as a lady-in-waiting, quickly earns the Queen’s favor with her intelligence and spirit. As she grows up in the royal court, she falls in love with Prince Hamlet (George MacKay), and their secret romance becomes a dangerous entanglement when the King is murdered and Hamlet begins to unravel.
Unlike Shakespeare’s version, where Ophelia descends into madness and dies tragically, this adaptation empowers her with agency. The film explores her perspective, showing how she strategically navigates deception, survives betrayal, and ultimately fakes her death to escape a doomed fate. It transforms her from a victim into a survivor and storyteller.
Review
Ophelia succeeds as a bold reinterpretation of a classic, offering a feminist twist that will resonate with modern audiences. Daisy Ridley delivers a nuanced performance that brings Ophelia to life with a blend of strength and vulnerability. Naomi Watts adds complexity in her dual roles as Queen Gertrude and the mysterious witch Mechtild, further layering the film with intrigue and mysticism.
Visually, the film is lush and atmospheric, with ethereal costumes and haunting scenery that mirror the emotional stakes. While some critics have pointed out its occasional melodrama and deviations from the source material, those choices feel intentional — the film isn’t trying to be Hamlet; it’s giving Ophelia her own voice.
Final Thoughts
Ophelia is a thoughtful, beautifully shot film that rewrites the narrative of a woman long silenced by literary tradition. For lovers of historical dramas, feminist retellings, or Shakespearean reinventions, this is a must-watch.
Rating: 4/5