Summary
One of the year’s best-reviewed films has the unique distinction of being filmed entirely withinGrand Theft Auto Online. TheGrand Theft Autovideo game franchise has been going strong since 1997, growing into one of the most successful gaming IPs of all time.GTA 6is the next promised installment, with its release date expected to be a monumental success for Rockstar and the gaming world, potentially boasting a hefty price tag.
Players have been enjoyingGrand Theft Auto 5for over a decade. The game also spawnedGrand Theft Auto Online, and has shown substantial staying power with fans.GTAOnline’s world is an ever-growing sandbox where gamers can create and share custom content, such as races and games, which they can play with friends or strangers from around the world. However, even with all the creator tools at players' fingertips, the developers likely never expected someone to film an entire movie within their digital world. But that’s precisely what happened when a few inspired players chose to mount a Shakespearean production in Los Santos, which ultimately becameGrand Theft Hamlet.
What is Grand Theft Hamlet about?
Grand Theft Hamletis a documentary written and directed by Pinny Grylls and Sam Crane. It follows Crane and fellow actor Mark Oosterveen as they attempt to fight boredom during the COVID-19 lockdowns in the United Kingdom,logging numerous hours intoGTA Online. While playing, actors reminisce about the work they’re missing out on due to the pandemic, and then they begin reciting lines fromHamlet, with their in-game avatars belting out Shakespeare’s words. The two see their neon-haired avatars sporting mismatched clothes and performing Hamlet on stage at the Vinewood Bowl, and what began as a joke quickly turns into an idea with real weight behind it. What if they produce and stage a live performance ofHamletentirely inGrand Theft Autowith other players and out-of-work actors?
With that off-the-wall idea fueling their need to perform, Crane and Oosterveen set about casting, often by sending messages to the public lobbies to see if any of the random people playing wanted to audition. Some showed up at the Vinewood Bowl out of curiosity, while others appeared merely to cause mischief. The two begin to slowly but surely find excellent performers to take on the roles in the play, which pushes them into full production. This sends them locationscouting all over Los Santos, searching clothing shops for wardrobe, and even dealing with real-world consequences as the production runs into various setbacks.
Why GTA & Shakespeare Fans Can Both Enjoy Grand Theft Hamlet
While an entire film set withinGrand Theft Automay feel like a niche idea, the documentary accomplished something unique that appeals to more than just gamers or Shakespeare fans. For gamers, it lets them seeGrand Theft Autobeing used in an unconventional way, accomplishing something new in a game that has been explored for 12 years. It even allows for a sense of familiarity. Knowing the locations the characters visit can help instill a sense of community with other players. However, one key element that every gamer can recall is laughing along with friends at the often absurdly fun moments. The documentary captures this throughout production as laughable issues continually plague them, such as seeing the actors delivering an exceptional soliloquy only for someone to shoot them with a rocket from afar.
Shakespeare fans can also find enjoymentinGrand Theft Hamlet, even when the documentary doesn’t show the entire play, with much of its runtime dedicated to the events leading up to it. Still, the actors take their jobs seriously, delivering vocal performances that feel as elegant and rehearsed as if they had been on stage. When they perform, it feels sincere. Plus, there are emotional stakes at play. The documentary lets viewers smile along with Crane and Oosterveen’s wins, while also hitting them with moments of sadness when they experience setbacks. Critics agree thatGrand Theft Hamletis a charming exploration of creating art and finding human connection, which is both engrossing and humorous. The film holds a stellar 93% Fresh rating on Rotten Tomatoes.
Where To Watch Grand Theft Hamlet
Grand Theft Hamletwon the Grand Jury Prize for Best Documentary Feature when it debuted at the 2024 SXSW Film Festival. However, it was not released in the United States until January 2025. It was a modest release, only playing in a few theaters, with a current worldwide box office of $218,040. In February 2025, the film became available on the streaming service Mubi, where it can be watched with a paid membership.
Thedevelopers ofGrand Theft Autohave gone above and beyond to create a fun playground for their players. Beyond shining a light on that world,Grand Theft Hamlethas found a way to capture the need for human connection, the thirst for art, and unique creativity in ways that can surprise even seasoned gamers. While it may not have had a wide release, it is one of the best-reviewed films of 2025, makingGrand Theft Hamleta movie worth seeking out.
