Daisy Ridley is Ophelia. Hamlet reimagined from a woman's perspective.

Daisy Ridley stars as Ophelia

“It is high time I shall tell you my story myself,” says Daisy Ridley via voiceover in Ophelia, the cinematic version of Lisa Klein’s novel, a reimagined Hamlet, told from Ophelia's perspective. A woman’s point of view.

High time, indeed. Hashtag TimesUp! Huzzah!

The film screened at Sundance this week. Now we wait to see who picks it up—IF it gets picked up. The Guardian review of Ophelia calls it a disaster, IndieWire calls the script by Semi Chellas “choppy’’ (among other things) and even Vulture who ultimately says it’s a “big, juicy crowd pleaser’’ disses it for being “silly and sophomoric.”

“Ay, there’s the rub.’’

Daisy Ridley herself, gets no blame, and it seems that the cinematography, costumes and production all shimmer. I’m still curious to see Ophelia, but I’d like to start with the trailer, curiously withheld. In the meantime, perhaps I should read Lisa Klein’s book from 2006? ... 

About the book:

He is Hamlet, Prince of Denmark; she is simply Ophelia. If you think you know their story, think again.

In this reimagining of Shakespeare's famous tragedy, it is Ophelia who takes center stage. A rowdy, motherless girl, she grows up at Elsinore Castle to become the queen's most trusted lady-in-waiting. Ambitious for knowledge and witty as well as beautiful, Ophelia learns the ways of power in a court where nothing is as it seems. When she catches the attention of the captivating, dark-haired Prince Hamlet, their love blossoms in secret. But bloody deeds soon turn Denmark into a place of madness, and Ophelia's happiness is shattered. Ultimately, she must choose between her love for Hamlet and her own life. In desperation, Ophelia devises a treacherous plan to escape from Elsinore forever . . . with one very dangerous secret. 

Lisa Klein's Ophelia tells the story of a young woman falling in love, searching for her place in the world, and finding the strength to survive. Sharp and literary, dark and romantic, this dramatic story holds readers in its grip until the final, heartrending scene.

Have you read Ophelia? Tell me, are you inclined to give the film a chance?

I’m all ears.