IMDb 6.6 2015 HD

Bill

Bill

2015
Comedy Family
94 min NR United Kingdom
6.833 / 10
6.6 IMDB

What really happened during Shakespeare's 'Lost Years'? Hopeless lute player Bill Shakespeare leaves his home to follow his dream.

Personnel // Cast & Crew

Director Richard Bracewell
Starring
Mathew Baynton / Simon Farnaby / Martha Howe-Douglas / Jim Howick / Laurence Rickard / Ben Willbond / Helen McCrory / Damian Lewis

How Viewers Describe This Film

Common themes and sentiments

charming whimsical silly lighthearted enjoyable comedic amiable hopeful eccentric diverting pleasant

Reviews

I
Isabelle Dubois
Apr 18, 2026
3.5 / 5
3.5

As a whimsical exploration of Shakespeare's 'Lost Years', 'Bill' proves to be a thoroughly amiable watch. Mathew Baynton anchors the film with a performance brimming with earnest ambition, making his journey engaging. The film’s tone is consistently upbeat…

O
Oliver Davies
Apr 18, 2026
2.5 / 5
2.5

The premise of 'Bill' is its strongest asset, a playful poke at the mysteries of Shakespeare's past. Mathew Baynton gives his all as the aspiring playwright, but the material struggles to maintain momentum. The film’s humour relies heavily…

S
Sophia Chen
Apr 18, 2026
4.0 / 5
4.0

This is a delightful, if somewhat niche, comedic venture. 'Bill' reimagines Shakespeare's formative years with a whimsical spirit and a genuine affection for its subject matter. Mathew Baynton is perfectly cast, embodying the hopeful spirit of a young…

M
Marcus Thorne
Apr 18, 2026
3.0 / 5
3.0

'Bill' attempts to fill the historical void of Shakespeare's early life with a generous helping of British silliness. Mathew Baynton delivers a likeable performance as the ambitious but hapless bard-to-be. The film’s tone is consistently light, occasionally bordering…

E
Eleanor Vance
Apr 18, 2026
3.5 / 5
3.5

The 2015 comedy 'Bill' offers a charmingly daft expedition into the supposed 'Lost Years' of Shakespeare. Mathew Baynton leads as the titular lute player, whose aspirations far outstrip his talent, at least initially. The film thrives on its…

FAQs

The humour in 'Bill' is characterised by its distinctly British sensibility, leaning towards gentle absurdity and witty wordplay. It often features a slightly anachronistic feel, juxtaposing the Elizabethan era with modern comedic sensibilities. Expect a good dose of slapstick, character-driven gags, and a generally light, amiable tone rather than sharp satire. The performances from the ensemble cast contribute significantly to this amiable and often charmingly silly comedic style.