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Grand Theft Hamlet

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1:37

Grand Theft Hamlet

R

Released Jan 17

1h 29m

Documentary

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Tomatometer

Popcornmeter

93%

Tomatometer

76 Reviews

76%

Popcornmeter

50+ Ratings

In the midst of the COVID-19 pandemic, two out-of-work actors, Sam and Mark, face a bleak future. Desperate for purpose, they stumble upon an idea: stage Shakespeare's Hamlet within the ultra-violent world of Grand Theft Auto Online. Shot entirely in-game, GRAND THEFT HAMLET explores their attempt to merge classical theatre with a chaotic digital landscape. With stunning visuals and unexpected moments of reflection, this engaging documentary examines how ancient cultural narratives can still resonate in new, virtual spaces, raising questions about art, isolation, and the digital world’s potential for storytelling.

Critics Consensus

A startling example of using any tools at your disposal to make memorable art, Grand Theft Hamlet's experimental approach does justice by the Bard.

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William Bibbiani

TheWrap

If there is one disappointing element of this moving, amusing, sad and memorable film it’s that it isn’t five hours long.

Jan 18, 2025

Full Review

Amy Nicholson

Los Angeles Times

To be an artist, or not to be? That is the question of “Grand Theft Hamlet"

Jan 18, 2025

Full Review

Alison Willmore

New York Magazine/Vulture

Grand Theft Hamlet is not just a lark, but a savvy project from stalled-out creatives hoping to make something of all this spare time.

Jan 17, 2025

Full Review

Mel Valentin

That Shelf

Grand Theft Hamlet's structure keeps its themes from being examined with any real depth, but it more than compensates through its unique virtual-only approach and its frequent moments of authentic, genuine human connection through co-op gameplay.

Apr 26, 2025

Full Review

Simon Miraudo

Movie Squad (RTRFM 92.1)

The hardest I laughed during a movie all year, and it wasn't close.

Rated: 4.5/5

Mar 14, 2025

Full Review

M.V. Moorhead

Less Hat, Moorhead

An amusing and sometimes touching ode to the vagaries of making theatre.

Feb 25, 2025

Full Review

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Elsie M

Very original concept. Hilarious moments.

Rated 4 out of 5 stars

03/26/25

Full Review

Jamarcus

This was a cute movie. Definitely if your a fan of GTA and Shakespeare then give it a look.

Rated 3.5 out of 5 stars

01/27/25

Full Review

Yuki

what a heartwarming movie. Hilarious and amazing concept. I hope GTA sponsors them to make more acts like this.

Rated 5 out of 5 stars

01/21/25

Full Review

Paul T

Revisiting the pandemic is a surprisingly funny setting for a look at the need for socialization and goals

Rated 4 out of 5 stars

01/20/25

Full Review

Bob A

This is brilliant. It really works well, and is engaging, surprisingly moving, and sometimes hilarious.

Rated 5 out of 5 stars

04/21/25

Full Review

Alec B

Its an interesting idea and I respect that people found something like this during COVID but I also don't think this is all that insightful as a feature length movie nor is it as profound as people are pretending it is.

Rated 2.5 out of 5 stars

03/11/25

Full Review

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Pinny Grylls

Director

Sam Crane

Director

Sam Crane

Self

Mark Oosterveen

Self

Jen Cohn

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Pinny Grylls

Writer

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Grand Theft Hamlet: Trailer 1

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Synopsis

In the midst of the COVID-19 pandemic, two out-of-work actors, Sam and Mark, face a bleak future. Desperate for purpose, they stumble upon an idea: stage Shakespeare's Hamlet within the ultra-violent world of Grand Theft Auto Online. Shot entirely in-game, GRAND THEFT HAMLET explores their attempt to merge classical theatre with a chaotic digital landscape. With stunning visuals and unexpected moments of reflection, this engaging documentary examines how ancient cultural narratives can still resonate in new, virtual spaces, raising questions about art, isolation, and the digital world’s potential for storytelling.

Director: Pinny Grylls, Sam Crane
Producer: Rebecca Wolff, Julia Ton
Screenwriter: Pinny Grylls, Sam Crane, Pinny Grylls, Sam Crane
Distributor: MUBI
Production Co: Project 1961, Grasp The Nettle Films
Rating: R (Language and Some Violence)
Genre: Documentary
Original Language: English
Release Date (Theaters): Jan 17, 2025, Limited
Release Date (Streaming): Feb 21, 2025
Box Office (Gross USA): $141.9K
Runtime: 1h 29m