This Overlooked Gem With 'The Last of Us' Star Is One of the Most Unique 'Romeo & Juliet' Reimaginings

The saddest tale in the world has been retold countless times on screen. Young Romeo and Juliet fell in love, confronted family feuds, and couldn't live without each other.

However, the plot has never before centered on a secondary character: Rosaline, Romeo's ardent ex-lover whom he forgot the moment he laid eyes on Juliet.

Rosaline, starring Kaitlyn Dever, is Karen Maine's mischievous, witty, and charming comedy that turns the classic plot on its head.

What Is 'Rosaline' About?

Rosaline is a confident, witty, and slightly cruel beauty and Romeo's first love. He wrote poems for her and rushed to the Capulet house in hopes of seeing her.

However, after meeting Juliet, Romeo's confessions changed their recipients. Rosaline, whose ego has been wounded, refuses to accept the loss of her suitor.

She decides to interfere with the scandalous couple's relationship, determined to win Romeo back at any cost – even if it means befriending her charming rival.

'Rosaline' Is One of 'The Last of Us' Star Kaitlyn Dever's Best Roles

Kaitlyn Dever, beloved for her roles in Booksmart and The Last of Us, gives one of the most charming and sparkling comedic performances of her career in Rosaline.

Her Rosaline is not a victim of circumstance but a woman who is willing to fight for her love with a sardonic smile.

She rolls her eyes at Juliet's decision to fake her own death and comments on the events with deadly irony. Rosaline gradually realizes that true value lies not in winning a boyfriend back but in letting go and giving new feelings a chance.

Dever masterfully balances comedy and drama, eliciting both laughter and empathy from the viewers.

'Rosaline' Is a Postmodern Interpretation of the Classic That Transcends the Original Text

Rosaline is surprisingly multi-faceted – it's a postmodern take on a Shakespearean tragedy, a reflection on the difficulty of surviving a breakup, and a beautiful love story with an unexpected ending.

Director Karen Maine transforms the familiar plot into a feminist statement about how a woman should not be merely a stepping stone on a man's path to his "great love."

The main character evolves from a resentful ex consumed by revenge to someone who learns to let go and move forward. Rosaline features wry jokes about Verona's patriarchal traditions, heartfelt moments of female solidarity, and an unexpected romantic arc.

What Did Critics & Viewers Think of 'Rosaline'?

• Rosaline has 76% from critics and 75% from viewers on Rotten Tomatoes.

• On IMDb, the movie has a score of 6.5/10.

• On Letterboxd, Rosaline scored 3.3/5.0.

Where to Watch 'Rosaline'?

Rosaline is available to stream on Hulu.