REVIEW: Juliet & Romeo (2025) | A Musical Twist on Shakespeare’s Classic
- Jenna Cockburn
- 4 days ago
- 3 min read
From the balcony to the beat - a love story remixed for today!
"Pop meets passion in this must-see remix!”
Juliet & Romeo is a bold, high-gloss reimagining of Shakespeare’s iconic love story - one that trades iambic pentameter for soaring pop ballads and dramatic visuals. Directed by Timothy Scott Bogart, this film leans fully into its musical identity, delivering a modern fairytale that’s unapologetically theatrical, occasionally chaotic, and often very fun.
Clara Rugaard leads as Juliet, and she’s a revelation. Her vocals are powerful, but it’s her emotional depth that leaves a lasting impression. She carries the film’s biggest moments with grace and vulnerability, giving us a Juliet who is both strong-willed and heartbreakingly young. Jamie Ward holds his own as Romeo, bringing an understated charm and sincerity to the role. While Romeo can sometimes get lost in adaptations, Ward makes him feel real and grounded, with a quiet intensity that complements Rugaard’s more expressive performance. Their chemistry is believable, and their connection carries the story even when the tone veers into stylised territory.
The supporting cast adds colour and character, with a few standout turns. Derek Jacobi’s Friar Lawrence is warm, eccentric, and unexpectedly funny. Rather than playing the role with stoic gravitas, Jacobi leans into a more comical, slightly chaotic energy - and it works. His presence brings heart and humour, softening some of the film’s more melodramatic edges. Dan Fogler, meanwhile, delivers the biggest laughs of the film. His comedic timing is spot-on and he brings a real sense of mischief to the story, providing much-needed levity when emotions run high.
If anything, I would’ve liked to see more from Jason Isaacs and Rebel Wilson. Both are talented performers with strong screen presence, but neither is given much room to do what they do best. Wilson, in particular, is known for her comedic chops, and her role here feels unusually restrained. With such a bold and playful concept, it feels like a missed opportunity not to let her off the leash a bit more.
Visually, the film is a feast. It's got that fairytale-meets-pop-video energy - think Moulin Rouge crossed with A Knight’s Tale. Lavish production design, rich colour palettes, and stylised cinematography make Juliet & Romeo feel like a modern pop opera. The musical numbers are theatrical and emotionally charged, sometimes hitting hard, sometimes tipping into melodrama - but always delivered with commitment. The soundtrack does a lot of heavy lifting, and when it works, it really works. The soundtrack itself is full of contemporary pop songs that echo the characters’ emotions and push the narrative forward. While not every musical sequence lands perfectly, the ambition is undeniable, and when it works, it really works.
Tonally, the film is a bit of a rollercoaster. It swings from heartfelt romantic drama to playful musical whimsy, and there are moments where the shifts feel slightly jarring. But there’s something refreshing about its unpredictability - Juliet & Romeo doesn’t play it safe, and that’s part of the fun. It’s confident in its vision, even if that vision occasionally wobbles.
Ultimately, Juliet & Romeo is a creative, emotionally charged and visually arresting retelling that succeeds more often than it stumbles. It’s not trying to be definitive - it’s trying to be different. And in that respect, it absolutely delivers. With memorable performances, strong central chemistry, and a commitment to doing things its own way, it’s a stylish, high-energy take on a timeless story.
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
JULIET & ROMEO will be in cinemas nationwide,
for a one-night event screening on 11th June 2025.
FILM DETAILS
Theatrical Release Date: 11th June 2025
TL;DR: Based on the real story that inspired William Shakespeare's Romeo and Juliet, follows the greatest love story of all time, set as an original pop musical.
Director: Timothy Scott Bogart
Cast: Rebel Wilson, Rupert Everett, Jason Isaacs, Rupert Graves, Dan Fogler, Derek Jacobi, Clara Rugaard, Jamie Ward, Ferdia Walsh-Peelo, Nicholas Podany
Genres: Crime, Thriller
Run time: 120 Minutes
Cert: 12A
📸 Strike Media Ltd
