Home Entertainment Tom Holland’s ‘Romeo & Juliet’ Splits Critiϲs: Marvel Star Dеemed ‘U𝚗ϲharismatiϲ’ and ‘Fоrgettable’ Aмidst Co-Star Francesϲa Amewudah-Rivers’ Aϲclaim and Raϲist Baϲklash

Tom Holland’s ‘Romeo & Juliet’ Splits Critiϲs: Marvel Star Dеemed ‘U𝚗ϲharismatiϲ’ and ‘Fоrgettable’ Aмidst Co-Star Francesϲa Amewudah-Rivers’ Aϲclaim and Raϲist Baϲklash

Entertainment — 05/29/2024

Tom Holland’s return to the West End in “Romeo & Juliet” has polarized critics following its debut at the Duke of York’s Theatre.

Tom Holland 's return to the West End stage in Romeo & Juliet has divided critics after it's opening night at the Duke of York¿s Theatre last week

The 27-year-old Marvel star, criticized by some as ‘uncharismatic,’ stars alongside Francesca Amewudah-Rivers in this modern, edgy adaptation directed by Jamie Lloyd. While some found the production ‘mesmerising,’ others deemed it ‘lifeless.’ However, Francesca Amewudah-Rivers, known from BBC Three’s “Bad Education,” received unanimous praise for her portrayal of Juliet and was called the play’s ‘saving grace.’

This acclaim comes in the wake of Francesca facing ‘deplorable racial abuse’ after her casting announcement in April.

The Marvel star, 27, who one reviewer branded 'uncharismatic' stars alongside Francesca Amewudah-Rivers as the star-crossed lovers in the edgy and modern production directed by theatre whizz Jamie Lloyd

In his two-star review, the BBC’s Hugh Montgomery described the production as ‘depressingly lifeless’ and critiqued Holland’s performance as lacking psychological depth, though he acknowledged Holland’s stage presence. In contrast, he praised Amewudah-Rivers as the standout, with a command of the verse akin to the best Shakespearean actors.

The Daily Mail’s Patrick Marimon, more favorable, awarded four stars, noting Holland’s ‘dreamy gaze’ and Francesca’s solid performance.

Conversely, The Express’ Neil Normal gave a scathing one-star review, labeling the show ‘absolute drivel’ and Holland’s Romeo as ‘a charisma free zone.’

The Guardian’s Arifa Akbar provided a balanced three-star review, appreciating the chemistry between the leads despite the production’s deliberate restraint.

The Hollywood Reporter’s Demetrius Patterson noted Holland’s ‘subdued’ Romeo but highlighted Amewudah-Rivers’ star-making performance amidst the backlash she endured.

But while some declared the show 'mesmerising' others branded it 'lifeless', however Tom's co-star Francesca, who previously appeared in BBC Three's Bad Education, was unanimously praised for her role as Juliet and hailed as the play's 'saving grave'

Fiona Mountford of i News, in another two-star review, critiϲized the high ticket prices but lauded Francesca’s luminous performance for elevating the show.

The Telegraph’s Dominic Cavendish gave a glowing five-star review, calling the production ‘mesmerising’ and praising both leads for subverting expectations.

Finally, the Financial Times’ Sarah Hemming also gаve four stars, commending the chemistry between the leads and Holland’s nuanced portrayal of Romeo, depicting a young man caught between youth and adulthood.