'Ophelia' adds an intriguing, beautiful and inspiring additional dimension to the Hamlet story, one that is needed. As madness and deception decent upon the court, Ophelia is one of the few that keeps both her wit and her integrity about her. This story empowers not only women but anyone who has a desire to rise above the manipulations, drama and general crazy-making of others.

The result is pretty to look at, with the misty lakes and foreboding forests of Denmark beautifully photographed and the costumes lavishly designed, but the sad (and boring) result has none of the bold thrust or festering passion originally created by the Bard.

Although an intriguing way to deconstruct and reassemble a story familiar to most people who have taken high school English, Ophelia doesn’t live up to its promise perhaps because the lead character, even after having been “expanded,” is still rather flat.

James Berardinelli

ReelViews

The best part of Ridley’s performance is her plodding, heavy-footed walk that reminds us this well-groomed lady is still a stubborn child underneath her fancy dress. She has a blank, open face that absorbs the court’s machinations and reflects little back until she decides to act insane.

Amy Nicholson

Variety