Ophelia Dvd

Ophelia is a 2018 British-American romantic drama film directed by Claire McCarthy and written by Semi Chellas about the character of the same name from William Shakespeare’s play Hamlet. Based on the novel by Lisa Klein, the film follows the story of Hamlet from Ophelia’s perspective. It stars Daisy Ridley in the title role, alongside Naomi Watts, Clive Owen, George MacKay, Tom Felton and Devon Terrell.

The film premiered at the 2018 Sundance Film Festival, and had a limited theatrical run on June 28, 2019, followed by a VOD release on July 2, 2019 by IFC Films. Critical reception was mixed, although Ridley’s performance received acclaim.

Plot

In the castle of Elsinore, Denmark, the wilful and free-spirited Ophelia (Daisy Ridley) is Queen Gertrude’s (Naomi Watts) favourite lady-in-waiting, though she is ridiculed by the other ladies for her lack of nobility. Her father Polonius (Dominic Mafham) serves as chief councillor to King Hamlet (Nathaniel Parker). Upon his return from Wittenberg, Prince Hamlet (George MacKay) soon begins courting Ophelia, but their blossoming romance is cut short when Hamlet returns to Wittenberg to continue his studies. At the same time Hamlet’s uncle Claudius (Clive Owen) begins to seduce Gertrude. Later, Gertrude charges Ophelia with retrieving a tonic from a healer named Mechtild (Also played by Watts) who lives deep in the forest. While preparing the queen’s chambers for the night, she witnesses the king and queen in a heated argument. Ophelia pursues the distraught Gertrude up to the castle parapets where she encounters what appears to be a ghost. The next day the king is found dead, presumably from a venomous snake bite. Claudius takes the throne as his successor and marries Gertrude. Hamlet returns to Elsinore in a rage, having heard the news from Polonius, and begins to suspect foul play. He resumes his romance with Ophelia, which the court begins to notice. Ophelia’s brother Laertes (Tom Felton) cautions her to be wary of his advances, before leaving for France. At the advice of his trusted friend Horatio (Devon Terrell), Ophelia meets Hamlet at the parapets where he confides in her his suspicions about his mother’s infidelity. The next day while on another errand for the queen, Ophelia encounters the same spectral figure from the parapets. Mechtild is revealed to be not only Gertrude’s sister but also Claudius’s former lover, who brought her to ruin after he accused her of witchcraft when she miscarried their illegitimate son. Mechtild was able to escape persecution by faking her death by drinking a venom that gives the illusion of death. Later on, Hamlet meets Ophelia in the chapel and the couple make plans to marry in secret. While attending to the queen early the next morning, Ophelia discovers the spectral figure that she encountered earlier is actually Claudius. She finds Mechtild’s venom in his cloak and realises he was responsible for King Hamlet’s death. When he learns of their secret marriage, Claudius decides to use her to spy on Hamlet. Ophelia warns him of her discovery and he tells her to leave Elsinore for the convent where she’ll be safe from Claudius. Polonius deduces that Hamlet is mad, but Claudius isn’t convinced and instructs him to have Ophelia married off. That night Hamlet enlists actors to perform a spectacle that depicts his father’s murder. Claudius bursts into a rage, confirming Hamlet’s suspicions but Ophelia is able to stop him from drawing his sword on his uncle. Gertrude accuses her of turning Hamlet against her and dismisses her. Polonius attempts to plead with Gertrude on his daughter’s behalf but he is killed by Hamlet who mistook him for Claudius. Ophelia is left further devastated when Horatio tells her that Hamlet has been banished to England along with Rosencrantz and Guildenstern. Meanwhile, Laertes returns from France demanding justice for his father’s death. While being prepared for her wedding, Ophelia gets into a fight with one of the queen’s ladies who tells her that Claudius ordered Hamlet’s murder, But her hopes are suddenly lifted when Horatio tells her that he is still alive. While attempting to escape the castle she is cornered by Claudius. Ophelia calls him out for his mistreatment of Mechtild and he has locked up, but she escapes and feigns madness. Claudius orders her to be arrested but Gertrude shows her mercy, believing her to be truly insane. The guards pursue her to the lake where she drinks Mechtild’s venom and seemingly drowns. Horatio obeys her request to recover body her from the grave just as she wakes up, but she is weakened from consuming too much of the venom. While accompanying her through the forest, they come across Norwegian soldiers on their way to Elsinore. Horatio wishes her well before he leaves to warn the court while Ophelia seeks out Mechtild for an antidote. When confronted about her role in the king’s murder, Mechtild explains that while she had no part in it she admits she couldn’t deny Claudius as she still harboured feelings for him, but agrees that he should pay for his crimes. While Ophelia rests, she goes to offer her help to the invading Norwegians. Ophelia awakes to find a stunned and remorseful Gertrude, who tells her that Laertes has challenged Hamlet to a duel. Ophelia forgives her, and with Gertrude’s help she is able to sneak back into the castle unrecognised. Claudius meanwhile has anointed Laertes’ sword with poison. Hamlet is overjoyed to see his beloved is alive and well. Ophelia pleads with him to leave with her but he is still consumed by the desire for vengeance, but promises he will follow her to the convent. Ophelia sadly bids him goodbye and leaves Elsinore for good. Both Hamlet and Laertes are killed when they are wounded by his poisoned sword. Enraged and grief-stricken, Gertrude grabs Hamlet’s sword and kills Claudius, just as the Norwegians storm the castle, accompanied by Mechtild. Gertrude poisons herself with Claudius’s venom and she dies in her sister’s arms. The film closes with Ophelia living peacefully in exile with her and Hamlet’s daughter.

Cast

Daisy Ridley as Ophelia
Mia Quiney as Young Ophelia
Naomi Watts as Gertrude / Mechtild
Anna Rust as Young Mechtild
Clive Owen as Claudius
George MacKay as Hamlet
Jack Cunningham-Nuttall as Young Hamlet
Tom Felton as Laertes
Devon Terrell as Horatio
Dominic Mafham as Polonius
Daisy Head as Christina