Rating summary

Movie		3.5
Video		4.0
Audio		4.5
Extras		3.0
Overall		4.0

Ophelia Blu-ray Movie Review

Reviewed by Brian Orndorf October 26, 2019

“Hamlet” is a 400-year-old play that’s been interpreted in many ways, with some taking great liberties with the source material, working to reconsider writer William Shakespeare’s original text and find ways to reach a different audience. That’s the thinking behind “Ophelia,” which revisits the events of “Hamlet,” only here a key supporting part into turned into the lead role, with Ophelia’s perspective intended to refocus concern on the female characters. It’s not exactly a daring undertaking, but the screenplay by Semi Chellas is trying to do something very specific, keeping things involving by altering Shakespeare’s plotting and sense of power in Elsinore Castle. “Ophelia” isn’t the most dynamic feature to be made with the concept, but director Claire McCarthy isn’t in this for the pace. She wants to make a beautiful picture about a misunderstood young woman, and with those goals in mind, the effort is satisfactory.

As a child raised in Elsinore Castle by her father, Polonius (Dominic Mafham), Ophelia (Daisy Ridley) wasn’t permitted to enjoy an education like the boys, left to prepare for a life of poverty and service. When she’s spotted by Queen Gertrude (Naomi Watts), Ophelia is transformed into a Lady in Waiting, offered royal comfort, where she catches the eye of young Hamlet (George MacKay), who’s been away at school, developing into the future king. When Gertrude’s husband dies mysteriously, she quickly rebounds with the late man’s brother, Claudius (Clive Owen, struggling with an awful wig), and Ophelia watches the affair unfold from the shadows, also in contact with Mechtild (Watts), a witch and Gertrude’s twin sister, who was banished long ago, now in charge of potions and poisons to distract her sibling. As Ophelia battles for her own safety, Hamlet loses his sanity under Claudius’s rule, with the castle simmering with antagonisms as wicked intentions are revealed, threatening Ophelia’s future.

The familiarity of “Hamlet” doesn’t come into view for quite some time in “Ophelia.” This is the story of a young woman’s development while facing divides in class and gender, and the screenplay tracks her discovery of kingdom dismissal, with her first shock coming in the form of refusal when she tries to join the boys at school, unable to enjoy the benefits of an education just because she’s a girl. Chellas remains on this discrimination for much of the feature, highlighting Ophelia’s growing annoyance with castle limitations and her development as a Lady in Waiting, personally chosen by Gertrude to serve, only to be bullied by the other servants, who show no mercy in their disdain for the peasant. However, instead of losing her sense of self, Ophelia learns to adjust to her new reality, delighting Gertrude with her reading abilities, and finding a primal connection to Hamlet, who’s also trapped in a situation that binds his spirit.

“Hamlet” particulars are tended to, including the rise of Claudius, who marries Gertrude soon after the King’s death, leaving the community stunned and fearful as the new leader enjoys exerting his power, becoming cruel. Hamlet’s arc is also monitored, with the young man finding his sanity challenged as his passions boil over, putting him in the middle of a suspicious death and powerful feelings for Ophelia. Chellas keeps the essentials, but she’s more interested in Ophelia’s involvement and development, with the castle aid witnessing the sexual connection growing between Gertrude and Claudius, and she begins to grasp the presence of specters in the castle, keeping her on edge. Warmth is provided by Laertes (Tom Felton), Ophelia’s brother, but most of the movie sticks with rising tensions rooted in power plays, though McCarthy doesn’t remain consistent with suspense, showing more interest in the visual possibilities of the feature, with cinematographer Denson Baker generating some gorgeous imagery along the way.

Ophelia Blu-ray Movie, Video Quality 

The AVC encoded image (2.39:1 aspect ratio) presentation secures the period ornamentation of the feature, finding textures on heavy costuming and castle decoration. Clarity is reasonably strong throughout, securing distances and close-ups, with facial surfaces intact, displaying the deterioration of personal health. Colors are inviting, achieving power with summery golds and greenery, and clothing retains punchier hues, exploring brighter fabrics. Skintones are natural. Delineation has a few issues, finding some darker scenes solidifying. Compression issues increase with underwater stylistics, but this is a rare occurrence.

Ophelia Blu-ray Movie, Audio Quality 

The 5.1 DTS-HD MA sound mix preserves the emotional intensity of "Ophelia," supplying clean dialogue exchanges, clarifying performances from all skill levels. Scoring is defined to satisfaction, supporting as intended, but occasional soundtrack selections offer a larger presence, which is welcome. Atmospherics are inviting with castle echo, community bustle, and outdoor experiences, and supernatural elements carry some surround activity. Low- end has weight but isn't worked out in full. Sound effects are sharp, detailing the clanging of steel swords.

Ophelia Blu-ray Movie, Special Features and Extras 

• Cast and Crew Interviews (30:41, HD) discuss the evolution and execution of "Ophelia" with director Claire McCarthy, producer Daniel Bobker, production designer David Warren, and actors Clive Owen, Devon Terrell, George McKay, and Tom Felton.

• Deleted Scenes (7:57, HD) share additional time with young Ophelia, Queen Gertrude, Hamlet, and showcase more emotional experiences for adult Ophelia.

• And a Theatrical Trailer (2:07, HD) is included.

Ophelia Blu-ray Movie, Overall Score and Recommendation 

Pace is a tad slack in "Ophelia," and the addition of Mechtild isn't as profound as Chellas imagines, finding the witch the most obvious push for female representation in the feature, replacing Hamlet's war at home with the forest concerns of a rejected and humiliated female. The subplot doesn't work, but the picture doesn't crumble, embracing a more defiant and clever Ophelia (a woman in "no need of saving"), reworking her descent into insanity as a defense mechanism, not a display of weakness. Such ideas are compelling, and Ridley does well in the part, making the most of reactions while her co-stars enjoy more verbal scenes. "Ophelia" certainly isn't peppy, often dragging to a full stop on a few occasions, but it has an idea worth investigating, endeavoring to approach "Hamlet" with concern for others involved in the Melancholy Dane's downfall.