Tom Holland has given some of the best performances of his lifetime in star-studded projects like those from Marvel including the Avengers and the Spider-Man film series, and has even garnered a massive fan following. However, his latest project isn’t gaining the best of reviews from anyone, including not only critics but a considerable majority of his fandom as well.
The project that has been getting all this hate is his latest play Romeo and Juliet with Francesca Amewudah-Rivers, and one of the biggest reasons behind this backlash is only understandable: the glumness and lack of energy in the drama. However, even through such tough times, Holland has his biggest supporter and the love of his life still right by his side: Zendaya.
Tom Holland’s Romeo and Juliet is Getting the Worst Critical Reviews
Among multiple other star-studded projects, Holland chose to take on the musical play Romeo and Juliet with Francesca Amewudah-Rivers to continue to amuse audiences with his breathtaking performances. However, this one fell more than just short, considering all the brutally critical reviews it has been garnering.
While Tom Holland‘s presence and performance have undeniably added to the show’s popularity, this new take on the classic story by William Shakespeare failed to deliver its charm. If anything, it has terribly underperformed among viewers, as can be understood by the latest reviews from critics and audiences.
For instance, BBC‘s review states that this play wasn’t able to match the star-studded energy that Holland and Amewudah-Rivers brought to the table, and “somehow manages to be both overstated and underpowered.” Moreover, this review further cites the play as “some kind of nihilistic horror” take to the series, even calling it “a depressingly lifeless affair.”
Then there’s the review from Express.co.uk, which was even more brutal and didn’t hold back while pointing out all the mistakes including the cameras and their shots, and the “whispered dialogue and faltering chemistry” in the “gloom” and “leached of color, both visually and verbally” act. In fact, this review concludes with an “absolute drivel” remark, which is anything but good.
Adding fire to the fuel is Variety‘s take on this play, which, just like almost every other review, felt ‘disappointed’ as well. Calling it “a world of intense shadows created by Jon Clark’s stark side-lighting,” this review highlighted how the actors “face front impassively, as if poleaxed” and “the absence of anything approaching connection.”
Last off for this list is The Guardian‘s review, which tried to stay mostly positive but couldn’t help but point out similar lacking points as all the others listed above. Like how the chemistry between the two feels “deliberately restrained” or how “actors speak their lines – in a line – at the audience” and “the deliberate underplaying of emotion ultimately leeches the play of its tragedy.”
Needless to say, all of these reviews point out that even though it tried, the play still managed to brutally underperform, failing to leave the viewers amused and entertained to the core.
However, even through such criticism, Holland still had the love of his life right by his side to support him, and fans are deeply in love with how this real-life love story is blooming.
Zendaya is Still by Tom Holland’s Side, and Fans Are Loving it
While everyone else seems to criticize this latest project by Holland, his girlfriend Zendaya is right by his side to boost his morale and stand as his moral support. This was evident from how the fan-favorite Euphoria actress was seen heading out to watch her boyfriend’s Romeo and Juliet play on opening night.
Shutting down all further rumors of a breakup following the chemistry she shared with co-star Timothee Chalamet in their Dune saga, Holland’s girl was seen fully prepared to support her man as she was seen sporting a black Shakespearean dress from Andreas Kronthaler (via Vogue), as seen in the clip shared by @PopBase on X.
Zendaya arriving to watch Tom Holland’s ‘Romeo & Juliet’ show on opening night.
— Pop Base (@PopBase) May 23, 2024
Ever since then, fans seem to be having the time of their life as they hype up and showed their support on their favorite Gen Z pair and how they support each other at all times. Taking to the comment section on @PopBase’s tweet on X, here’s what they are saying:
i love how they constantly support each other's projects, it's so cute
— emy (@emysbill) May 23, 2024
They’re literally the best couple ever
— steven ☀️ (@arianaunext) May 23, 2024
This is the type of couple goals we have to strive towards
— Satyam Patel | 𝕏… (@SatyamInsights) May 24, 2024
he’s so lucky to have her
— art (@artzweigg) May 23, 2024
hollywood’s it couple frfr
— rylan🫶🏼 (@ryryw2003) May 23, 2024
That's awesome! They seem like such a supportive couple. I bet Tom's performance is going to be great with Zendaya cheering him on
— Vicky Cruz (@victoricruzz) May 23, 2024
Ppl thought she was attending a fashion show. Like u really thought she was missing her man's big opening night to go watch a fashion show? Be real.
— Keith (@CT1nonly) May 23, 2024
For what it’s worth, Tom Holland and Francesca Amewudah-Rivers may not have been able to establish that perfect modern take on Shakespeare’s fan-favorite classic play, but he and Zendaya have, most certainly, once again set the bar too high for fans with their perfect relationship.
Romeo and Juliet has live shows scheduled at the Duke of York’s Theatre, London till the 3rd of August, 2024.
