‘ROSALINE’: AN ALTERNATE VERSION OF SHAKESPEARE THAT’S VERY MODERN
When it comes down to a re-telling (kind of) of a famous piece of literature, we’re all probably a little biased about what we’ll tolerate vs won’t. This has probably never been truer than the Hulu original that is Rosaline. Based (kind of) on a famous story by Shakespeare with an alternate perspective, let’s meet her.
Rosaline (2022) Hulu Film Review
Passionately in love but still wanting adventure and experiences, Rosaline (Kaitlyn Dever) is happiest when her love is nearby and tonight, much to her surprise, he has flowery words to recite. The trouble is, while her father (Bradley Whitford) wants her to marry in the worst possible way, her lover wouldn’t impress given he’s the son of her family’s sworn enemy, the Montague’s. So instead of spending days with him, Rosaline is instead pawned off on possible husband’s though she’s now past good marriageable age. Rubbing salt in her wounds, Rosaline’s cousin and family arrive, and her world upends.
Her young, just back from finishing school, beautiful cousin is no longer a child and is now all grown up. This introduces her cousin to society and thus, Romeo (Kyle Allen) and Juliet (Isabel Merced) fall in love, leaving Rosaline with a bit of revenge on her mind…
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Calling this a proper re-telling of William Shakespeare is unfair. The credit instead goes to Rebecca Serle’s When you were Mine. However, while it doesn’t nod to his works in its language, it does lean into comedic aspects of this story. This is also the version of Romeo and Juliet that you’ll want to watch if you don’t care for Shakespeare’s original story. Additionally, if you have read Serle’s novel, from what I can tell, this is quite different than her novel, too.
Dropping last fall on Hulu, despite planning to watch this, I just didn’t take the time. Finally, I hit play, and hoped (really hoped), it was something I’d enjoy. Turns out, it is. There are some elements I don’t like and sometimes I think the modern language (when its set in this time, it’s just SO jarring) sometimes throws me. Especially since nearly everything else looks very much like other more period authentic Shakespeare adaptations.
What does work is Kaitlyn Dever. I’m probably biased because she’s an actress I met in one of her earlier roles in Justified. Then in the sitcom Last Man Standing, she plays such a hilarious and memorable role, it’s hard not to like her. This said, I think she’s great as Rosaline in a role that, rumor has it, many a popular name was in the running for. Even way back in 2014 when this film was first trying to find production. Stars like Kiera Knightley and Allison Williams, plus Lily Collins were originally in talks to play the leading women. Either way, I think the cast is good. The younger guys don’t really impress but they play the roles up to the standard their character’s require. Plus, I’d be lying if I said I didn’t enjoy the scene between Dever and Sean Teale walking the path.
If you’re looking for some laughs, Rosaline is a good time. Not groundbreaking or especially unique, but everyone seems to have a good time which in turn makes us have fun.
You can stream Rosaline exclusively with a Hulu subscription
Photos: 20th Century Studios
QUICK FACTS
GENRE: Adaptation, Period Drama, Comedy
RATING: ★ ★ ★ ½ out of 5
CAST: Kaitlyn Dever, Isabel Merced, Kyle Allen, Bradley Whitford, Minnie Driver
RATING: TV-14
CONTENT: There is suggestive humor (mild) in the form of a girl reading a book about “erotic.” There’s reference to men fighting over having a big sword. Someone catches a man and woman behind some bushes being intimate; misunderstanding a question, he looks to the woman to ask her if she was “satisfied.” There’s profanity sprinkled throughout including sh*t, uses of “oh my god” and one use of the f-word. The most “danger” there is, are a few sword fights and “knocking out” a guard here and there.
I’m going to have to check out this film.
Let me know what you think if you do see it. :)