Anonymous
Set against the backdrop of the succession of Queen Elizabeth I, and the Essex Rebellion against her, the story advances the theory that it was in fact Edward De Vere, Earl of Oxford who penned Shakespeare's plays.
Critics Sentiment
Edward begins romantic affair with Queen Elizabeth in flashback
Ben Jonson questioned by Robert Cecil at Tower of London
The film's biggest upswing occurs when Edward discovers theater's political power and sees Henry V performed, jumping from political confusion to dramatic clarity.
Anonymous follows a mixed reception pattern where critics appreciated the ambitious performances and visual spectacle but struggled with the convoluted plotting and historical liberties. The film peaks during its romantic and theatrical moments, particularly the Edward-Elizabeth affair and the power of performance scenes, but suffers from confusing timeline jumps and increasingly far-fetched conspiracy revelations. While the cast and production values earned consistent praise, the overall execution left many reviewers intrigued but not fully convinced.
Full cast
Showing 20 of 77
Jamie Campbell Bower
Young Earl of Oxford
Rhys Ifans
Edward de Vere
David Thewlis
William Cecil
Joely Richardson
Princess Elizabeth Tudor
Vanessa Redgrave
Queen Elizabeth I
Sebastian Armesto
Ben Jonson
Rafe Spall
William Shakespeare
Edward Hogg
Robert Cecil
Xavier Samuel
Earl of Southampton
Sam Reid
Earl of Essex
Paolo De Vita
Francesco
Trystan Gravelle
Christopher Marlowe
Robert Emms
Thomas Dekker
Tony Way
Thomas Nashe
Julian Bleach
Captain Richard Pole
Derek Jacobi
Prologue
Alex Hassell
Spencer
James Garnon
John Heminge
Mark Rylance
Condell
Jasper Britton
Pope
Crew
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