Based on Shakespeare’s retirement, this surprisingly witty biopic examines the final period of the Bard’s life.

Shortly after his livelihood has gone up in flames, Shakespeare (portrayed by Branagh, of course) returns home to Stratford-upon-Avon to live out the rest of his days. But home is where his wife and daughters, furious at his extended absence, await him. Home is where he must finally confront the loss of his son, Hamnet, who tragically died at the age of 11. Home is where he must navigate the mire of scandal surrounding his family. Above all else, though, home is where he is not a celebrated genius-come-hero, but simply a man… and a man who seems to fall short in many, many ways, at that.

Upon his arrival, Shakespeare is promptly banished to the guest room by his wife Anne, played with mastery and poise by Judi Dench. At 84, misguided critics have made a great deal of noise about the fact the actress is 27 years older than her real-life counterpart - but Dench is a revelation, giving us a Ms Hathaway who emotionally and perceptively outshines her husband, often completely flooring him with her cold, caustic wit. Together, Dench and Branagh are the perfect pairing, and entirely convincing as a couple whose marriage has been ravaged by the strain of distance, time and then some.

All is True is a touching, witty and human portrait of a literary genius