Is Ophelia Worth Watching?
Answer: Yes, Ophelia is definitely worth watching if you enjoy Drama movies.
It features a runtime of 114 minutes and offers a solid storyline that appeals to general audiences.
Ophelia Review
Last updated: January 18, 2026
Detailed Premise & Narrative Foundations
Released in the dynamic cinematic landscape of 2019, Ophelia emerges as a significant entry in the Drama, Romance, History domain. The narrative core of the film focuses on a sophisticated exploration of Ophelia comes of age as lady-in-waiting for Queen Gertrude, and her singular spirit captures Hamlet's affections. Unlike standard genre fare, Ophelia attempts to deconstruct traditional tropes, offering a refreshing take on its central themes.
Cast Performances: A Masterclass
The success of any Drama is often anchored by its ensemble, and Ophelia features a noteworthy lineup led by Daisy Ridley . Supported by the likes of Naomi Watts and Clive Owen , the performances bring a palpable realism to the scripted words.
Performance Analysis: While the cast delivers competent and professional performances, they are occasionally hampered by a script that leans into familiar archetypes.
Final Verdict: Is it Worth Watching?
In summary, our editorial assessment of Ophelia (2019) is overwhelmingly positive. With an audience rating of 7.1/10, it stands as a mandatory watch for any serious cinema lover.
Ophelia Plot Summary & Detailed Storyline
Quick Plot Summary: Ophelia is a Drama, Romance, History film that explores complex human emotions and relationships through nuanced character development. This summary provides a scannable look at the movie's central conflict and narrative structure.
Story Breakdown
This character-driven narrative explores the internal and external conflicts that define the human experience. Ophelia comes of age as lady-in-waiting for Queen Gertrude, and her singular spirit captures Hamlet's affections. As lust and betrayal threaten the kingdom, Ophelia finds herself trapped between true love and controlling her own destiny. The screenplay takes time to develop its characters, allowing audiences to connect emotionally with their struggles and triumphs. Each scene builds upon the last, creating a cumulative emotional impact.
Narrative Structure
- Opening Hook: We meet the main character in their ordinary world, establishing the emotional baseline before the inciting incident disrupts their life.
- Character Arc: The main character shows growth throughout the story, though some supporting characters could have been more fully realized. The arc is present but occasionally predictable.
- Climax & Resolution: The emotional climax brings character arcs to their natural conclusion, providing catharsis while staying true to the story's themes.
Ophelia Ending Explained & Final Analysis
Ending Breakdown: Ophelia resolves its central conflict while maintaining thematic consistency. The finale has been praised for its approach to drama resolution.
The emotional climax centers on character transformation, offering viewers material for post-viewing discussion.
Ending Analysis:
- Narrative Resolution: The story concludes with clear resolution of its central conflicts, providing closure while maintaining some ambiguity.
- Character Arcs: Main characters complete meaningful transformations, reflecting the film's thematic priorities.
- Thematic Payoff: The ending reinforces the drama themes established throughout the runtime.
The final moments of Ophelia reflect the filmmakers' creative choices, offering an ending that aligns with the film's tone and style.
Ophelia Real vs. Reel: Is it Based on a True Story?
Ophelia draws heavily from documented historical records. As a drama, romance, history film, it navigates the space between factual accuracy and narrative engagement.
Historical Context
The film balances historical fidelity with cinematic storytelling. Core events maintain connection to source material while adapting for theatrical presentation.
The production demonstrates respect for its source material, with attention to period detail and historical context.
Accuracy Assessment: Ophelia adapts its source material for dramatic purposes. The film prioritizes thematic resonance over documentary precision.
Who Should Watch Ophelia?
Worth Watching If You:
- Enjoy Drama films and don't mind familiar tropes
- Are a fan of the cast or director
- Want a character-driven story with emotional moments
Ophelia Box Office Collection
| Metric / Region | Collection (Approx) |
|---|---|
| Production Budget | $12.0M |
| Worldwide Gross | $242.1K |
| Trade Verdict | CLEAN HIT |
Ophelia Budget
The estimated production budget for Ophelia is $12.0M. This figure covers principal photography, talent acquisitions, and visual effects. When accounting for global marketing and distribution, the break-even point is typically 2x the base production cost.
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Full Cast & Crew of Ophelia
- Daisy Ridley – Ophelia
- Naomi Watts – Queen Gertrude / Mechtild
- Clive Owen – Claudius
- George MacKay – Hamlet
- Tom Felton – Laertes
Top Highlights
Daisy RidleyOphelia
Naomi WattsQueen Gertrude / Mechtild
Clive OwenClaudius
George MacKayHamlet
Tom FeltonLaertes
Devon TerrellHoratio
Nathaniel ParkerKing Hamlet
Dominic MafhamPolonius
Daisy HeadCristiana
Sebastian de SouzaEdmund
Where to Watch Ophelia Online?
Streaming Hub🎟️ Rent on
Amazon VideoParents Guide & Age Rating
Ophelia is rated PG-13. Parents should be aware that it contains romantic content. Some material may be inappropriate for children under 13.
Final Verdict
Analyzing the audience sentiment, IMDb rating of 7.1/10, and global collection metrics, Ophelia stands as a successful venture for the creators. It remains an essential piece of the 2019 cinematic year.
Official Trailer
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Ophelia movie hit or flop?
Ophelia is considered a hit based on audience response and box office performance. With a rating of 7.1/10, it's highly recommended for fans of Drama, Romance, History movies.
Is Ophelia worth watching?
Yes, Ophelia is definitely worth watching! It's a must-watch hit for fans of Drama, Romance, History cinema.
Where can I watch Ophelia online?
Ophelia may be available for rent or purchase on digital platforms like Apple TV, Google Play, or Amazon Prime Video. Specific streaming availability can vary by country.
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How Ophelia Compares & Where it Ranks
Critic Reviews for Ophelia
‘Ophelia’ was fine by way of entertainment, but it doesn't do justice to the intricacies of the original story. It doesn't portray Hamlet’s quick-witted nature, Polonius’s shit-stirring, or Claudius’s grappling with guilt. It's incredible in all elements of filmmaking, but lacks the true heart and layers of Shakespeare's work. - Lily Meek Read Lily's full article... https://www.maketheswitch.com.au/article/review-ophelia-shakespeares-hamlet-with-a-modern-twist
Now I have to start by saying that this is not a good film, but - it does try to introduce Shakespeare to a new audience who would not have seen, nor would sit through, Olivier, Branagh or McKellan in full tilt with the skull of poor old "Yorick", and for that goal alone, it ought to be given a chance. This version is told from the perspective of "Ophelia" (Daisy Ridley) following her exploits as she in taken under the wing of "Queen Gertude" (Naomi Watts) and of her ensuing passion for "Hamlet" (George MacKay) who has been usurped for his dead father's throne by his uncle "Claudius" (Clive Owen). The story has been very heavily adapted to facilitate the new narrative perspective and as such it loses a great deal of it's potency and nuance - Clive Owen and Tom Felton ("Laertes") are shockingly wooden; as is the normally engagingly absurd partnership of "Rosencrantz" (Noel Czuczor) & Guidenstern (Martin Angerbauer). It descends quickly into a rather melodramatic love story losing much of the tension, emotional power and tragedy leading to a seriously underwhelming conclusion.
movieMx Verified
This analysis is compiled by our editorial experts using multi-source verification and audience sentiment data for maximum accuracy.
