Hamnet

⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

Audiences entering the theater to watch Hamnet may not know exactly what to expect. With the acclaimed talents of Paul Mescal and Jessie Buckley anchoring the cast and the film’s deep connection to Shakespearean legacy, anticipation runs high. Yet, the emotional depth and profound humanity that unfold on screen surpass even the loftiest expectations. Directed by Chloé Zhao and adapted from Maggie O’Farrell’s celebrated novel, Hamnet is a breathtaking meditation on love, grief, and the transformative power of creativity.

At its heart, the film recounts the story of Agnes Hathaway (Jessie Buckley) and her husband, William Shakespeare (Paul Mescal), as they navigate the joys and tragedies of family life in 16th-century England. The narrative revolves around the devastating loss of their son, Hamnet, whose death becomes the emotional wellspring for Shakespeare’s iconic play, Hamlet.

Jessie Buckley delivers a phenomenal performance as Agnes. Her portrayal of a woman attuned to the natural world and fiercely devoted to her family is layered and deeply moving. Buckley captures every nuance of Agnes’s experience, from the quiet joys of motherhood to the crushing weight of grief. Her raw, unfiltered reaction to Hamnet’s death is a moment of cinematic brilliance — so visceral and authentic, it is breathtaking. It is the kind of performance that not only earns accolades but also redefines a career.

Paul Mescal, as William Shakespeare, brings a performance that is understated and profoundly affecting. Renowned for his subtlety in conveying complex emotions, Mescal introduces a simmering intensity to the role. He portrays Shakespeare as a man caught between the demands of his family and the lure of artistic creation, deftly capturing this tension with nuance. Mescal’s depiction of a father channeling grief into art is inspiring and heartbreaking.

The supporting cast adds further depth to the film. Emily Watson, as Mary Shakespeare, and Joe Alwyn, as Bartholomew Hathaway, give remarkable supporting performances, while Jacobi Jupe and Olivia Lynes, portraying Hamnet and Judith, offer some of the most genuine child performances in recent cinema. The siblings’ bond feels so authentic. Their scenes together move even the most stoic audience member.

One of the film’s most perplexing moments occurs when Agnes attends the debut of Hamlet at the Globe Theatre. For viewers unfamiliar with the play, the rapid dialogue and stage action may feel disorienting, echoing Agnes’s own confusion and emotional turmoil. Initially, Agnes is outraged by her husband’s decision to use their son’s name for the play, a choice that intensifies her grief and clouds her understanding. As the performance unfolds, however, she becomes captivated by the actors’ raw emotion and the depth of the story. Her anger and sorrow gradually give way to comprehension as she realizes how art can transform personal pain into something universal and meaningful.

Visually, Hamnet is a feast for the eyes. Chloé Zhao’s direction is nothing short of masterful, elegantly capturing the rugged beauty of the English countryside and the raw intimacy of family life. Every frame is rich in texture and emotion. Zhao’s ability to balance the epic and the personal elevates the film.

In the end, Hamnet transcends the label of a simple film — it is an experience. It is a story that breaks the viewer’s heart and then pieces it back together, offering a renewed appreciation for the fragility and beauty of life. With career-defining performances from Jessie Buckley and Paul Mescal, and Chloé Zhao’s visionary direction, Hamnet stands as a triumph. For those seeking powerful storytelling and masterful acting, seeing Hamnet on the big screen is essential.

Frank Gaimari is an author, film reviewer, and actor based in Seattle. He lives with his husband and their two golden retrievers. Learn more about his work at http://FrankGaimari.com.