To be or not to be? That is the question. The famous Hamlet line applies itself to nearly all of life's circumstances. To act or to not act, or to game or not to game? In the third lock down in the UK of 2021, theaters were closed and actors Sam Crane and Mark Oosterveen were determined to put on a show one way or another, and they thought to do it on one of online gaming's biggest platforms: Grand Theft Auto Online - and with the help of Sam's wife, Pinny Grylls, the three set out to find the talent to put on one of Shakespeare's finest plays: Hamlet. 

 

Already, the premise jumps out as something beautiful; people coming together against the odds to put out and share art with each other and the world. Though the project proves to provide many challenges for the three; scheduling conflicts, interpersonal conflicts, and just trying to figure out how to use the world provided to put on the show. They come across many fascinating games and passionate artists, and Sam and Mark charmingly know how to steer these actors in being the best they can be for the show.

 

In the process, co-director Pinny Grylls witnesses her husband being changed by the whole process and deals with the woes it puts on their relationship. Some of these roll out in-game and seeing the Non-Playable Characters (NPCs) interfere with their quarrels is both funny and heartbreaking. Sam's friendship with Mark warps as well as they clash over different ways to tackle the obstacles of the process. However, it's clear all three are best working together outside of their own heads - make each other better with the power of art. In a way it goes well with last year's Sing Sing.

Grand Theft Hamlet Is an incredibly charming documentary - entirely in-game of Grand Theft Auto Online the crew sets out on a wild effort that pays off beautifully. Though the structure is loose and feels a little choppy despite its length; it's such a fun experience to watch all these actors build up and pull off the show. It's just an incredible feel good watch.