Watch Hamlet/Horatio

Hamlet/Horatio is a 2020 movie directed by Paul Warner, depicting the classic Shakespearean tale of Hamlet from the perspective of his close friend Horatio. The film stars Andrew Burdette as Hamlet, Themo Melikidze as Horatio, and Anna Maria Cianciulli as Ophelia. The story follows Horatio as he tries to come to terms with the tragic events that unfolded around him during the reign of Prince Hamlet in Denmark. The film explores the themes of friendship, loyalty, betrayal, and revenge, which are central to the plot of the play.

The movie opens with Horatio visiting the tomb of Hamlet to pay his respects to his friend. As he stands alone in the empty graveyard, he reflects on the events that led to Hamlet's demise. He then proceeds to recall the past and recollects his memories with Hamlet.

As the plot unfolds, Horatio becomes the conscience of Prince Hamlet, guiding the prince through his troubled state of mind, providing him with encouragement and support in his moments of weakness. Horatio holds a deep admiration for Hamlet, and their close bond is tested when Hamlet starts behaving erratically upon discovering his father's murder.

Anna Maria Cianciulli delivers a powerful performance as Ophelia, Hamlet's love interest. Her portrayal of Ophelia is one of vulnerability and innocence that captures the audience's hearts, making her eventual mental breakdown and subsequent demise all the more poignant.

The film also explores the relationship between Hamlet and his mother, Queen Gertrude, played by Thelma Drake. Gertrude's marriage to her brother-in-law, Hamlet's uncle, adds an intriguing layer of complexity to the family dynamics portrayed on the screen, highlighting the presence of hidden motives and deception.

The acting in Hamlet/Horatio is stellar, with Andrew Burdette delivering a compelling performance as Hamlet, capturing his character's inner turmoil, pain and bitterness. The portrayal of the titular character is one of the film's most impressive aspects; he elevates the role beyond the traditional characterization of madness and despair, bringing out the depth and complexity of Hamlet's character.

Themo Melikidze's performance as Horatio is another highlight, with his portrayal of the character exuding dignity and strength in the face of tragedy and loss. Melikidze's on-screen chemistry with Burdette is remarkable, showcasing a bond that runs deep and true, even in the most challenging of circumstances.

The movie's production design is also noteworthy, creating a Gothic atmosphere that tastefully captures the dark mood and brooding nature of the play. The atmospheric cinematography perfectly complements the dark tone of the film, imbuing every scene with a moody and profound quality that echoes the emotions of the characters.

Overall, Hamlet/Horatio brings a fresh perspective to one of the most famous Shakespearean plays of all time, offering an emotional and thought-provoking exploration of the themes that the playwright originally intended. The film presents its characters with compassion and nuance, making it one of the most touching adaptations of the play in cinematic history.

Hamlet/Horatio is a 2021 drama with a runtime of 1 hour and 37 minutes. It has received mostly positive reviews from critics and viewers, who have given it an IMDb score of 7.0.