Chloé Zhao’s ‘Hamnet’ Starring Jessie Buckley & Paul Mescal Is Simply Breathtaking
Chloé Zhao’s ‘Hamnet’ Starring Jessie Buckley & Paul Mescal Is Simply Breathtaking
From Academy Award-winning director Chloé Zhao comes Hamnet, a deeply emotional drama exploring the grief of William Shakespeare and his wife Agnes following the untimely death of their young son Hamnet. Anchored by remarkable performances from Jessie Buckley and Paul Mescal, the film portrays love, loss, and the creative spark that inspired Shakespeare’s iconic tragedy, Hamlet.
A Story Rooted in History and Humanity
Hamnet is based on the 2020 novel by Maggie O’Farrell and offers a fictionalized but poignant look at Shakespeare’s family life. The narrative centers on Agnes, Shakespeare’s wife, and their son Hamnet, who dies at age 11. It intimately depicts how this personal tragedy deeply shaped Shakespeare’s writing of his masterpiece.
The film doesn’t just revisit the historical events but delves into the universal experience of grief and the ways families cope with loss. Zhao and O’Farrell co-wrote the screenplay, blending lyrical storytelling with raw emotional power.
Stellar Cast Brings the Characters to Life
Jessie Buckley delivers a stunning performance as Agnes Shakespeare, portraying her as a figure of strength and vulnerability—a near-mythic embodiment of motherhood confronting unbearable sorrow. Paul Mescal plays William Shakespeare with quiet intensity, showing how the poet channels his pain into art.
The cast also includes Joe Alwyn as Bartholomew, Emily Watson as Mary Shakespeare, William’s mother, and Jacobi Jupe portrays Hamnet. Director of photography Łukasz Żal captures the English countryside’s haunting beauty, evoking both pastoral serenity and the ominous weight of loss.
Chloé Zhao’s Direction and Thematic Focus
Known for her naturalistic style and empathetic storytelling in films like Nomadland, Zhao brings subtlety and depth to Hamnet. Her direction shifts between moments of stillness and emotional intensity, highlighting the enduring bond within the Shakespeare family.
Critics note Zhao's emphasis on feminine perspectives in the narrative, illuminating Agnes’s experience and resilience alongside Shakespeare’s creative struggle. The film is poetic and symbolic, exploring themes of life, death, and creativity intertwined like roots beneath a great tree.
Emotional Resonance and Critical Acclaim
Hamnet has garnered rave reviews for its heartbreaking story and beautifully crafted performances. Reviewers often describe the film as emotionally intense, with audience members reportedly moved to tears.
At the Telluride Film Festival premiere, many praised the film’s ability to render grief and love in ways that feel both timeless and intimately relatable. Critics also highlight Buckley and Mescal’s magnetic onscreen presence as some of their finest acting work to date.
A Fresh Take on Shakespeare’s Legacy
By focusing on Shakespeare’s family and personal loss rather than the playwright’s public fame, Hamnet offers a new lens on the origins of Hamlet. It portrays Shakespeare’s art as a deeply personal catharsis, transforming pain into timeless human expression.
The film invites viewers not only to witness this historical tragedy but also to ponder broader questions about how loss shapes creativity and human connection.
Release and Viewing Information
Hamnet is set for a limited U.S. theatrical release on November 27, 2025, before expanding nationwide on December 12. Distributed by Focus Features domestically and Universal Pictures internationally, the film promises to be a major awards contender, especially highlighting the careers of Zhao, Buckley, and Mescal.
Summary
Chloé Zhao’s Hamnet masterfully blends history, emotion, and artistry to tell a deeply moving story of love and loss behind one of literature’s greatest works. With powerhouse performances and evocative direction, the film honors Shakespeare’s family and legacy while offering audiences a profoundly human drama that resonates across time.