The 2026 Hamlet, on film, is smashing. Technically accomplished, cleverly directed by Aneil Karia, it presents a British Indian Hamlet in modern London and is a rich chronicle of agony. Riz Ahmed is interesting and distinguished—not at all standard-issue—in the title role. He exudes intelligence, no less so than the gripping Joe Alwyn as Laertes. Art Malik and Sheeba Chaddha are a perfect Claudius and Gertrude, and Morfydd Clark a true and touching Ophelia. Timothy Spall is a human curio as Polonius.

Karia’s film may be Shakespearean cinema at its most exciting. Music and dancing—don’t worry; it’s limited in quantity—add to the fascination.