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Story perspectives

Riz Ahmed's Hamlet: A Dark Twist on Madness

2/5/2026

48 4

Summary

Story summary

Screenwriter Michael Lesslie and director Aneil Karia present a stark, modern-London Hamlet.
Riz Ahmed stars as Hamlet and faces his father's ghost and a murder attributed to his uncle Claudius.
The film strips down the text, reduces soliloquies, and emphasizes Hamlet's madness and self-hate; Ophelia expands.
The ending questions Claudius's guilt, suggesting Hamlet's perception may be delusional, offering a rigorous, challenging perspective.

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Story summary

Screenwriter Michael Lesslie and director Aneil Karia present a stark, modern-London Hamlet.
Riz Ahmed stars as Hamlet and faces his father's ghost and a murder attributed to his uncle Claudius.
The film strips down the text, reduces soliloquies, and emphasizes Hamlet's madness and self-hate; Ophelia expands.
The ending questions Claudius's guilt, suggesting Hamlet's perception may be delusional, offering a rigorous, challenging perspective.