Kenneth Branagh’s 2018 biographical drama All Is True is enjoying a remarkable resurgence in popularity, with viewers and critics rediscovering Dame Judi Dench’s portrayal of Anne Hathaway as one of the finest performances in her legendary career. Described as an “emotionally devastating masterpiece,” the film offers a mesmerising, restrained meditation on William Shakespeare’s final days that pulls audiences in for a breathless, one-sitting watch.

Directed by and starring Branagh as the Bard himself, All Is True imagines Shakespeare’s retirement to Stratford-upon-Avon in 1613 after the Globe Theatre burns down. Haunted by the death of his son Hamnet and years of absence from his family, he confronts strained relationships with his wife Anne (Dench) and daughters Susanna (Lydia Wilson) and Judith (Kathryn Wilder). A poignant cameo from Ian McKellen as the Earl of Southampton adds further depth.

Dench, then 84, delivers a career-defining turn as the illiterate, resilient Anne – witty, resentful, and profoundly human. Critics rave about her “brilliantly huffy” presence, with The New York Times praising her ability to convey decades of unspoken emotion in quiet glances and sharp retorts. Rolling Stone called the film a “mesmerising meditation on Shakespeare’s last days,” highlighting Dench’s solid support alongside Branagh’s flawed, touchingly vulnerable portrayal.

Though initially met with mixed reviews (73% on Rotten Tomatoes), the film’s elegant restraint and haunting beauty have won over modern audiences. Recent streaming availability on platforms like BBC iPlayer and Netflix has sparked renewed acclaim, with fans declaring it “first-class” and “so powerful you’ll watch it in one breathless sitting.” The themes of loss, regret, legacy, and reconciliation resonate deeply, blending fact with respectful fiction penned by Ben Elton.

Branagh’s direction emphasises quiet power over spectacle: lush cinematography captures Stratford’s gardens as symbols of healing, while Patrick Doyle’s score underscores the melancholy. Standout scenes, like Anne and Shakespeare’s tender reconciliation, linger long after the credits.

In an era craving thoughtful prestige dramas, All Is True proves timeless – a haunting, beautifully acted gem that humanises a literary giant while showcasing Dench at her most devastatingly brilliant.