Watch All Is True

All Is True (2018) is a historical drama directed by Kenneth Branagh, who also plays the lead role of William Shakespeare. The film explores the playwright's life after his retirement and the personal struggles he faced in his final years. The cast also includes Judi Dench as Anne Hathaway, Shakespeare's wife, and Ian McKellen as the Earl of Southampton.

The movie begins with the Globe Theater burning down during a performance of Henry VIII, prompting Shakespeare to retire to his hometown of Stratford-upon-Avon. There, he tries to reconnect with his wife and two daughters, who have led separate lives since he left for London to pursue his career. As he tries to reconcile with his family and come to terms with his own mortality, he also faces a series of revelations that challenge his beliefs about himself and his legacy.

Throughout the film, Shakespeare grapples with the realization that he was an absentee husband and father who failed to truly know his loved ones. He also discovers that Hathaway had an affair while he was away in London, and that his son Hamnet died tragically years before. These revelations force Shakespeare to confront his own flaws and confront the past he had run away from.

All Is True is notable for its restrained approach to the depiction of Shakespeare's life. The film avoids sensationalizing the playwright's personal life and instead focuses on his quiet inner turmoil. Branagh's performance as Shakespeare is nuanced and introspective, capturing the playwright's wit and self-doubt. Dench is also impressive as Anne Hathaway, bringing depth to a character who has often been neglected in Shakespearean adaptations. McKellen, who plays the Earl of Southampton, delivers a memorable performance as a former patron of Shakespeare's who has turned against him.

The film's pacing is deliberate, allowing for scenes of quiet reflection and introspection. However, this may not appeal to those looking for a more fast-paced drama. The script, written by Ben Elton, is full of authentic Shakespearean dialogue and references, which may prove challenging for viewers unfamiliar with the playwright's works.

All Is True is also notable for its attention to detail in its portrayal of Elizabethan England. The film's production design and costumes are meticulous, transporting the viewer back to Shakespeare's time. However, some viewers may find the film's historical accuracy to be limiting and feel that it lacks a sense of imagination.

Overall, All Is True is a thoughtful and introspective drama that explores the personal struggles of one of history's most celebrated playwrights. The film features a strong cast and impressive attention to detail, and is sure to appeal to fans of Shakespeare and historical dramas.

All Is True is a 2019 drama with a runtime of 1 hour and 41 minutes. It has received moderate reviews from critics and viewers, who have given it an IMDb score of 6.3 and a MetaScore of 59.