Hulu's Rosaline, a comedic retelling of Shakespeare from the viewpoint of Juliet's spurned cousin, enters a crowded market just by using the name Juliet. Rosaline falls within the umbrella of purely entertaining modernizations, on the sliding scale of loose literary adaptations.
It's on par with Autumn de Wilde's caustic Emma, Lena Dunham's deliciously filthy Catherine Called Birdy, or the ahistorical feminism of the Apple TV series Dickinson when it comes to anachronistic period comedies. It's unquestionably superior to this summer's Persuasion on Netflix, which softened the novel's sharp humour into a slangy, fourth-wall-breaking bore.
All of this is to say that Scott Neustadter and Michael H. Weber understood what made a good adaptation: a sense of humour at least equal to if not exceeding the original, lighthearted lines with serious delivery, and sizzling romantic chemistry. They wrote Rosaline, which was then directed by Karen Maine.
Shakespeare's epic tragedy about star-crossed lovers descends to earth from her balcony. Although Verona in the middle ages was still charming, its inhabitants are conceited and narrow-minded. Messenger boys are bad at their professions, especially the ones played by stoner expert Nico Hiraga. The majority of the men are idiots, especially Romeo (Kyle Allen), a clueless bachelor who was initially committed to a covert relationship with Kaitlyn Dever's astute Rosaline, the niece of Montague's bitter nemesis Lord Capulet (Christopher McDonald).
Rosaline does return the sentiment, even though she is neither moved by Romeo's corny soliloquies (he slips back into normal speech, then nearly falls off her balcony) nor inclined to say "I love you." Given the expectations placed on women in medieval Italy, especially those who are quite wealthy, she is desperate to carve her own path.
Rosaline, like Catherine Called Birdy, is a fun play on the constraint, both disobeying and utilising the gender roles of the time. Bradley Whitford portrays Rosaline's father who isn’t happy as her daughter evades marriage. Rosaline misses her family's masquerade event after one such forced date with handsome soldier Dario (Sean Teale).
Romeo no longer responds to her letters, thus Rosaline stumbles along to the melody of "All By Myself," made even more embarrassing by having to amuse her more sophisticated cousin Juliet (a radiant Isabela Merced). Who has just come home from finishing school. Plans to keep the new couple apart and teach Juliet the art of bar flirting quickly and amusingly go astray.
Rosaline presents the sensual delights that have become standard for historical dramas set in the Bridgerton era, including Andrew McAlpine's lavishly elaborate sets, colourblind casting, lavish costumes, and symphony pop song covers (Robyn's Dancing on My Own). Rosaline's braided updo and the green eyeshadow she used were inspired by historical figures. The befuddled, conspiratorial bedroom nurse played by Minnie Driver serves as the comic relief character that gives the story a thread that appeals to contemporary audiences.
The movie occasionally hits built-in ceilings, such as modernised dialogue in period clothing, story devices that could go too far into farce, or a protagonist who is only interested in getting her unimpressive ex back. However, it manages to avoid them in the end because of the compelling chemistry between Dario (played by Teale) and Rosaline.
The consistently reliable Dever is especially good on the comedic front. It's refreshing to see her go back to the quick wit and over-the-top eye rolls. Her Rosaline almost vibrates with tenacity, soaking up the narcissism she inflicts with her true self-belief and witty one-liners. Merced also shows out as a misguided but capable Juliet, capable of emulating Rosaline's sarcasm.
All of which makes for enjoyable viewing. Rosaline has what so many love stories throughout history and the present have lacked: a hearty, quick dose of joy. However, I can't argue that it will join the canon of earlier Shakespeare modernizations that became masterpieces in and of themselves. Yet it is still worth at least one watch.
Performance | 4.5/5 |
Enjoyment | 4.3/5 |
Overall Rating | 4.4/5 |