Scarlet: Hosoda’s Hamlet Reimagining Divides Critics

Mamoru Hosoda’s latest animated feature, Scarlet, a reimagining of Shakespeare’s Hamlet, has arrived in theaters, sparking a mixed response from critics. While lauded for its stunning animation, the film has been criticized for its narrative incoherence and overbearing fantasy elements.

A New Take on a Classic

Scarlet, released in the United States on February 6, 2026, follows the story of Princess Scarlet, who gains the ability to traverse time and space after being poisoned by her uncle, Claudius. The film explores themes of vengeance, forgiveness and compassion, set against a backdrop of both 16th-century Denmark and a mysterious “Otherworld.”

Visual Brilliance Meets Narrative Challenges

Critics have consistently praised the film’s visual artistry. The animation, described as “lofty-statured, sharply etched, and 3D-augmented,” is reminiscent of the work of comic-book artist Jean Giraud. The landscapes, particularly the “immaculate sands and near-photorealistic rubblescapes” of the Otherworld, have been singled out for their beauty. Although, this visual strength is contrasted by inconsistencies in the animation style, with the Elsinore sections appearing “sloppy and ungainly” in 2D.

Plot and Character Concerns

The narrative structure of Scarlet has drawn criticism. The film’s exploration of philosophical themes, such as the meaning of life and death, has been described as “vacuous” and lacking the lyrical depth of Shakespeare’s original work. The character of Hijiri, a modern-day paramedic who appears in the Otherworld, has been noted as a weak dramatic device, primarily serving as a mouthpiece for the director’s ideas.

Cast and Production

Scarlet features an English voice cast including Erin Yvette as Scarlet, David Kaye as Claudius, Michelle Wong as Gertrude, Fred Tatasciore as King Amlet, and Chris Hackney as Hijiri. The film is a production of Studio Chizu, in collaboration with Nippon Television and Columbia Pictures, and distributed by Toho Co., Ltd. And Sony Pictures Entertainment.

Release and Reception

Scarlet premiered out of competition at the 82nd Venice International Film Festival on September 4, 2025, and was released theatrically in Japan on November 21, 2025. As of the latest reports, the film has grossed $2 million worldwide.