Grand Theft Hamlet

“An unexpectedly moving, genuinely quite revolutionary tribute to art.” — Empire Online

With theaters shut during the COVID-19 pandemic, two jobless actors, Sam and Mark, are uncertain about their futures—finding solace in the virtual chaos of Grand Theft Auto Online. Desperate for purpose, they decide to stage Shakespeare’s Hamlet in the ultra-violent world of their favorite game.

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.

Official Selection: SXSW

At the directors’ request, all screenings of GRAND THEFT HAMLET play with on-screen captions.

Runtime
1h 29m
Year
2024
Director
Pinny Grylls and Sam Crane
Format
DCP
Country
United Kingdom
First Showing
March 14, 2025