When a film generates immense buzz from its festival debut, the final product can sometimes disappoint. It is a genuine pleasure to report that Chloe Zhao's 'Hamnet' not only meets but spectacularly exceeds the towering expectations set for it.
A Masterful Adaptation of Grief and Love
Directed by Oscar-winner Chloe Zhao (Nomadland) and adapted from Maggie O'Farrell's acclaimed novel, 'Hamnet' offers a fictionalised glimpse into the life of William Shakespeare and his wife, Agnes. The film traces their early romance through to the devastating loss of their young son, Hamnet. While this historical fact is well-known, the film's power lies in its profound exploration of shared grief and enduring love.
Oscar nominees Paul Mescal and Jessie Buckley portray the famous couple. Although William is the more recognised figure, the emotional core of the film rests entirely on Buckley's shoulders as Agnes. Her performance has already been recognised with a Critics Choice Award and a Golden Globe, making her the undeniable favourite for the Best Actress Oscar at the 2026 Academy Awards.
Performances That Redefine Cinematic Emotion
Buckley's work is nothing short of extraordinary. She brings a depth of sorrow and longing to the screen that feels both timeless and intensely personal. In Mescal, she finds a perfect scene partner. He continues his niche of portraying emotionally restrained men, humanising the Bard as a figure struggling with communication and loss.
The supporting cast is equally superb. Young actor Jacobi Jupe delivers a heartbreaking performance as Hamnet, while his real-life brother, Noah Jupe, appears as Hamlet in the film's climactic stage production. The ensemble is rounded out by strong turns from Joe Alwyn, Emily Mortimer, David Wilmot, and Louisa Harland.
A Technical and Artistic Triumph
Zhao, collaborating with two-time Oscar-nominated cinematographer Lukasz Zal, crafts a visually sumptuous 16th-century England. Every frame resembles a Renaissance painting, yet the direction ensures the characters' emotions feel immediate and relatable. The beautiful, soaring score from composer Max Richter adds another layer of emotional resonance.
The film's final act at the Globe Theatre elevates 'Hamnet' from a beautifully told story to a genuine masterpiece. The culmination of William and Agnes's bottled-up grief and love unfolds in a mesmerising sequence that is both devastating and cathartic. It is a sequence that promises to linger with audiences long after the credits roll.
Ultimately, 'Hamnet' is a film that transcends its historical setting. You need not be a Shakespeare scholar to connect deeply with its universal themes of love, loss, and the art that emerges from pain. This is a cinematic achievement of the highest order, anchored by a performance from Jessie Buckley that deserves to be remembered for generations.
