Romeo & Juliet

The National Theatre's Romeo & Juliet is a film version of the play shot in a closed theater in lockdown that manages to bring freshness to the classic Shakespeare's love story.

Set in modern-day Italy, the movie draws you in from the start with the settings' minimalism efficiently adding a sense of charm surrounding the cast. There's a scene where the loved ones are surrounded by candlelight in bokeh that exudes romance and beauty. The cast is great. Josh O'Connor and Jessie Buckley bring forward the complete palette of emotions their characters experience. Their chemistry is strong, making it difficult not to be immersed in the story, even if it's already known.

The same story has been told numerous times, but not in this way, and that is why it's worth watching.