With the upcoming release of28 Years Later, many eyes will look to the cast to revitalize one of the zombie genre’s most beloved movies. ActorRalph Fiennesis one such notable name attached to the production. Fiennes is best known for his work on films likeThe Grand Budapest HotelandSchindler’s List,but he has also dipped his toes into the world of directing. One of his projects touched on his love of Shakespeare (Fiennes appeared as recently as 2024 in a stage play ofMacbeth), where he acted alongsideGerard Butlerin the first significant adaptation ofCoriolanus.
Unfortunately, Fiennes’s directorial debut received a mixed reception, with a divide between critics and fans, and struggled to make back its money at the box office. Yet, now that Coriolanus is available to stream, it gives reason to look back and see if the underrated adaptation is worthy of your time and examine why it failed to capture audiences' attention in the first place.
Plot and Cast of the Underrated ‘Coriolanus’
Coriolanus
Based on the Shakespeare play of the same name that explored the power and political struggles of Rome, Ralph Fiennes’sCoriolanusoffered a modernized take on the classic play. Set in a place calling itself Rome, though closer in vision to the war-torn Balkans, the city faces civil unrest and food shortages, leading the titular Coriolanus to war with an opposing country. Becoming a hero of the people, a subsequent failed attempt to rise to power within his kingdom sees him becoming allies with the nation he previously fought against. Much like any Shakespeare adaptation, many themes are explored through dialogue-heavy interactions. Yet, Ralph Fiennes presented a more condensed and action-forward adaptation while keeping to the same themes.
“My name is Caius Martius, who hath done to thee particularly, and to all the Volsces, great hurt and mischief. Thereto witness my surname… Coriolanus.” Ralph Fiennes in Coriolanus
Director Ralph Fiennes would also play Caius Martius Coriolanus in the production.In one of his best roles to date, Gerard Butlerplayed Tullus Aufidius, the head of the opposing country to Rome. The movie was adapted for the screen by John Logan, who has a proven track record of superbly scripted cinema, having worked onGladiator,The Aviator, andThe Last Samurai.Coriolanusremains one of the lesser adapted works by Shakespeare, with the 2011 film being the only major film adaptation; the play has been adapted for TV previously.
Action Fans Rediscover One of Gerard Butler’s Best Revenge Thrillers on Streaming
Gerard Butler fans are turning to the movie in the wake of shocking real-life events.
The Mixed Reception of ‘Coriolanus’
Coriolanuswas a box office flop, bringing in just under $2.5 million worldwide off of its estimated budget of $10 million.Adaptations of Shakespeare’s plays have generally been hit or miss in the theaters.While a movie like 1996’sRomeo + Julietwith Leonardo DiCaprio and Claire Danes was a massive success, Polanski’sMacbeth(1971) almost endedShakespeare’s adaptations for the screen despite being one of the best. More recently, Joel Coen’s 2021 film, The Tragedy of Macbeth, was a box office failure, even considering its limited release and acting as Oscar bait for Apple TV.
Coriolanuswould find praise from critics. The contrast between fans and critics is evident on Rotten Tomatoes, with the moviescoring 92% Fresh versus 58% Popcornmeter. Monika Bartyzel fromThe Atlanticwas one of many to heap praise on Ralph Fiennes’s directorial debut, stating, “When the connection is right, Shakespeare’s work can speak to present-day notions just as easily as it can to age-old aspects of mankind. It’s (Coriolanus) genre writing that entertains while tapping into enduring truths.”
With praise from critics, it is difficult to say whyCoriolanusflopped so hard with an audience.Arguably, its obscurity among Shakespeare adaptations made it unappealing to the casual audience despite the star power involved. Shaky cam, fake TV broadcasts, rock music, and a disconnect from the war-drawn action to the Shakespearean dialogue may have soured the casual moviegoer. As one user on Rotten Tomatoes candidly put it in their one-star review, “Big among the film crickets who, I suspect, want to ensure to their peers that they can understand Elizabethan English, most of us Plebians just spend the entire film trying to translate in our minds what was just said.”
The Best Movies of Ralph Fiennes' Career So Far, Ranked
Ralph Fiennes is one of the best actors in modern cinema, and these are the best films of his career.
How to Watch ‘Coriolanus’
Shakespeare’s adaptations using the original dialogue are not for everyone,yet those looking for a modern interpretation of the playwright’s work won’t find many better adaptations than Ralph Fiennes’sCoriolanus. The performances are solid across the board, the visuals are inventive, and they have an extraordinary flair that brings Shakespeare into the 21st century with style. Moreover, the movie is one of the easier ones to follow for those unfamiliar with the style of speech, making it a great introduction to the adapted works of Shakespeare.You can streamCoriolanusfor free on Plex.
