Ophelia (2019) Movie Review – Where to Watch Online
Ophelia (2019), directed by Claire McCarthy, is a visually stunning and emotionally charged reimagining of William Shakespeare’s Hamlet, told from the perspective of one of its most tragic characters—Ophelia. Adapted from the novel by Lisa Klein, the film gives voice to the character who is often sidelined in the original play, offering a fresh and empowering narrative that explores love, power, and identity in a male-dominated world.
Plot Overview
Set in the lush yet treacherous court of Elsinore, Ophelia centers around its titular character (Daisy Ridley), a spirited and intelligent young woman who becomes the lady-in-waiting to Queen Gertrude (Naomi Watts). As she navigates the complexities of court life, Ophelia catches the eye of Prince Hamlet (George MacKay), and the two fall deeply in love.
However, their love is overshadowed by the dark political machinations in the court. King Hamlet’s sudden death sets off a chain of events leading to Hamlet’s descent into madness and a vengeful quest against his uncle Claudius (Clive Owen), who has seized the throne. Amidst this chaos, Ophelia must assert her own agency, balancing her love for Hamlet with her loyalty to the Queen and her desire to survive in a world that seeks to control and silence her.
The film takes liberties with Shakespeare’s original plot, providing Ophelia with a more active role in the events that unfold. It also introduces new elements, such as Queen Gertrude’s hidden twin sister, Mechtild (also played by Naomi Watts), who lives in exile and practices dark arts—adding layers of intrigue and mystery to the story.
Themes and Analysis
Ophelia explores several significant themes:
- Female Empowerment and Agency: At its core, Ophelia is a feminist reinterpretation of Hamlet. The film gives Ophelia a voice and a sense of agency that she lacks in the original play. It portrays her as a strong, independent woman who navigates the dangers of the court with intelligence and resourcefulness, challenging the traditional depiction of her as a passive, tragic figure.
- Love and Madness: The film delves deeply into the themes of love and madness, particularly through the relationship between Ophelia and Hamlet. Their love story is portrayed as passionate but doomed, with Hamlet’s obsession with revenge and his spiraling madness driving a wedge between them. Ophelia’s own mental state is explored with nuance, emphasizing her inner strength and resilience.
- Power and Corruption: The political intrigue in Elsinore is a central element of the story, with Claudius’s ruthless rise to power and the moral decay of the court serving as a backdrop to Ophelia’s personal journey. The film critiques the corruption and machinations of those in power, highlighting the human cost of political ambition.
- Identity and Survival: Ophelia’s struggle to maintain her identity in a world that seeks to define and control her is a key theme. The film portrays her journey of self-discovery and survival, as she learns to navigate the treacherous waters of the court while staying true to herself.
Performance and Direction
Daisy Ridley delivers a compelling performance as Ophelia, bringing depth and complexity to the character. Ridley portrays Ophelia as a multifaceted woman—intelligent, strong-willed, and deeply empathetic. Her portrayal captures the character’s inner turmoil and resilience, making Ophelia a protagonist who is both relatable and inspiring.
Naomi Watts excels in her dual roles as Queen Gertrude and Mechtild, bringing a regal yet vulnerable presence to Gertrude and a haunting, mysterious quality to Mechtild. Her performance adds layers to the film’s exploration of power, femininity, and the supernatural.
George MacKay’s Hamlet is portrayed with a mix of brooding intensity and emotional fragility. His chemistry with Ridley adds depth to their doomed romance, and his portrayal of Hamlet’s descent into madness is both sympathetic and tragic.
Clive Owen as Claudius is suitably menacing, embodying the ruthlessness and ambition of the character. His portrayal adds to the film’s atmosphere of tension and intrigue.
Director Claire McCarthy’s vision is brought to life through lush cinematography and meticulous production design. The film’s visual aesthetic is one of its standout features, with rich, detailed sets and costumes that immerse the audience in the world of medieval Denmark. The use of natural landscapes and color palettes enhances the film’s mood, reflecting Ophelia’s emotional journey.
The score by Steven Price complements the film’s tone, with its haunting melodies and orchestral arrangements adding to the sense of drama and tension.
Where to Watch Ophelia (2019) Online
For those interested in watching Ophelia (2019), several streaming options are available:
- Amazon Prime Video: The film is available for rental or purchase on Amazon Prime Video, allowing viewers to stream or download it for offline viewing.
- Apple TV: Ophelia can be rented or purchased on Apple TV, supporting high-definition streaming on various Apple devices.
- Google Play Movies & TV: The film may be available for rental or purchase on Google Play Movies & TV, with streaming accessible on Android devices, Chromecast, and via the web.
- YouTube Movies: Ophelia can be rented or purchased on YouTube Movies, offering a convenient option for watching on smart TVs or mobile devices.
- Hulu: Ophelia is occasionally available on Hulu, making it accessible to subscribers who prefer streaming over renting or purchasing.
- Vudu: Another platform where Ophelia might be available for rental or purchase is Vudu, which often hosts a variety of popular films.
Conclusion
Ophelia (2019) is a visually captivating and emotionally resonant reimagining of Shakespeare’s Hamlet, offering a fresh perspective on a classic tale. The film’s strong performances, particularly from Daisy Ridley and Naomi Watts, and its feminist reinterpretation of the story make it a compelling watch for fans of Shakespeare, historical dramas, and feminist narratives.
The availability of Ophelia on various streaming platforms ensures that audiences can easily access this beautifully crafted and thought-provoking film. Whether you’re a fan of period dramas, Shakespeare adaptations, or stories of strong female characters, Ophelia offers a unique and engaging cinematic experience.
