Grand Theft Hamlet Review

When people think of Grand Theft Auto, it’s often because of its controversies and headline-making moments—whether it’s the infamous “Hot Coffee” mini-game, whose code wasn’t fully removed from San Andreas, or the morally charged actions players can commit, like hiring and then killing sex workers, or the pervasive violence that keeps the franchise at the center of gaming scrutiny. So, when I was planning my coverage for the London Film Festival 2024 and noticed a documentary on the program filmed entirely in Grand Theft Auto V Online, where a production of William Shakespeare‘s Hamlet was staged, I knew I had to check it out.

The year is 2021, and the UK has entered its third lockdown. For many, the brief taste of freedom at the end of 2020 felt tantalizing, making the return to restrictions a gut punch. This was especially true for Sam Crane and Mark Oosterveen. With theaters shuttered, the lockdown weighed heavily on them: Sam, an actor, struggled with feelings of inadequacy in providing for his family, while Mark, living alone, found himself adrift. One day, as they explored the lush vistas of Los Santos, they stumbled upon the Vinewood Bowl. When their in-game avatars ran across its stage, they had an epiphany: Why not produce and stage a production of Hamlet in Grand Theft Auto V Online?

Calling Grand Theft Hamlet “the power of gamers” might seem accurate, but it feels like an oversimplification of what the film represents. As a work of art born from an unprecedented moment in history, it captures the highs and lows of that time. During the pandemic, people sought escapism in film, TV, and video games to overcome the anxiety of an uncertain future. The documentary highlights this, showing how such projects could foster hope while also reflecting the obsessive toll they sometimes took. It underscores the fragility of life during that period and how people clung to even the smallest sparks of inspiration, refusing to let go.

Watching the production come together was a joyous experience. It was a testament to collaboration, as Sam, Mark, and director Pinny Grylls auditioned a diverse range of players. The variety of participants—ranging from seasoned voice actors to people with no prior experience in Shakespeare—was eye-opening. Together, they made the impossible happen.

Capturing the entire production in-game was a massive risk. Let’s be honest: Grand Theft Auto V is an 11-year-old game, and it shows its age in both visuals and gameplay. Yet, this is the best the game has ever looked. The filmmakers made impressive use of in-game mechanics to craft striking shots and heighten the emotional resonance of the performance. As the film progresses, it transforms into a love letter to gaming, illustrating how games like Grand Theft Auto can transcend their reputation as “just violent video games.”

While Grand Theft Hamlet is a clever play on the title Grand Theft Auto, it doesn’t fully capture the essence of the film. “Grand theft” refers to the criminal act of unlawfully taking property with the intent to permanently deprive the owner of it. This film, however, does the opposite: Grand Theft Hamlet offers us a gift—an extraordinary piece of art to hold onto and cherish for years to come.