Rosaline Review : Flawed Revisionist Tale
Shakespeare's plays have been retold many times, and they remain timeless. It seems like there is virtually no limit to what filmmakers may do with those classic stories, whether they are a true adaptation of his works or a modern-day transplant. Taking one of Shakespeare's most famous tragedies, Romeo & Juliet, and turning it on its head by focusing on a minor character who isn't seen in the original work, Rosaline, directed by Karen Maine, aims to break new ground. The end product is a brilliant plot that starts off on a predictable path. Rosaline benefits enormously from the feisty lead performance of Kaitlyn Dever, who keeps the movie charming even when the plot loses some of its edge.
Romeo and Juliet, two star-crossed lovers who accidentally cross paths at a ball and fall in love despite having feuding families, are well-known to everyone. Romeo, however, initially had his sights set on another Capulet — Rosaline (Dever), who in this scenario is dreaming of an adventurous life with Romeo (Kyle Allen) while dodging the possible suitors her father (Bradley Whitford) keeps tossing her way. This is a point that is sometimes forgotten. Rosaline is shocked when Romeo rejects her in favour of the stunning and bright-eyed Juliet after speaking to her in poetry and even professing his love (Isabela Merced). Rosaline works behind the scenes to break up the renowned couple in an effort to win back her man.
Rosaline isn't quite the subversive interpretation of Shakespeare it wants to be in the end, but it's still a lot of fun. It has a certain appeal that is difficult to deny, and Dever is primarily to blame for that. Though the writers do slip in a sharp swipe at Shakespeare's play during the credits, the first half is stronger than the second. Rosaline's shenanigans will be offensive to some who want their historical fiction to be more traditionally written, but others who are willing to picture 16th-century Verona with contemporary characters will find Rosaline's antics hilarious.