Disclaimer: I’m a blind film critic. I’ve been told by at least one person involved in the film that audio description was created for this, though it lives on Mubi currently, where films with audio description go to shed themselves of that AD. Mubi is not an accessible streamer.

But, that’s not a problem. I’m blind, but I haven’t always been, and GTA V has one of the longest life spans of any video game in recent memory. Not only did I play it, but I played quite a bit. I’ve also played every other version, and this is one game I wish had accessibility. Grand theft Auto Online is one of the most fun things you can do, as it is an open world map, set in utter chaos. During the pandemic, many people huddled in their homes, and video games likely became a staple as you could fill your time, and communicate with others. I’m sure if I hadn’t lost my vision, I would have still been playing Grand theft Auto during the pandemic, but I never would have thought of doing this.

Grand Theft Hamnet follows two friends who bring up, as a gag, the thought of performing Shakespeare at the Vinewood Bowl, which is the Los Santos version of Hollywood Bowl. An outdoor performing arts venue. Oddly, the idea sticks, and they slowly start to recruit more friends, and eventually hold auditions for the first in-game production of Hamlet, likely ever. People often do really silly things in open world games, but these guys launched a full theatrical production, with rehearsal schedules, and cast from all over agreeing to play these roles, using their in game avatars as the actors, and providing their voices through the games built in chat (or something like discord).

A killer premise, and I’m shocked more people haven’t seen this. It is a celebration of gamer culture, and ingenuity, showing that even when you can’t leave your house, you can find a way to create something fresh and new. the film, I’m told, uses in game footage, so knowing what the game looks like, because it has been around forever, I’m able to picture everything.

I don’t think I’ve scored a film without audio description this high before, but knowing somewhere out there is a vanishing audio description track makes me feel better. There are so many world on fire documentaries, really heavy topics that absolutely rock our world, and change us in many ways. Then there’s grand Theft Hamlet, and if you get it, you will have nothing but smiles to give. It is a wonderful experience, and I lived vicariously through this. It took me back to driving around, doing heists, buying up property, fixing up cars, and running from the police. I spent hours playing with my friends, doing all sorts of shenanigans, and seeing these guys doing the same hit me in the feels, but in a very different way than Come See Me In The Good Light, or 2000 Meters to Andrika.

To be or not to be? Most of the time, you’re just trying to not get shot, which happens to them quite a bit in the film. They can’t fully control their surroundings. Even a private lobby with just friends, you can still be assaulted or mugged by NPC’s. In the end, they needed to have security. I think a player showed up just to keep the peace. They tried getting the attention of some real theatre folk, but ultimately, I think this film is the best way for everyone to explore it.

It won’t be right for every blind person, but if you are like me, and the nostalgia gets you there, I didn’t need the visuals, because my mind filled in from all the hours spent on the game. This was a rare treat, and I’ve put it on two of my ballots so far in 2025.

Grand Theft Hamlet is possibly the best pandemic era film, accepting what was and presenting itself as an honest experience had by real gamers. To thine own self be true indeed.

Fresh: Final Grade: 9.1/10