Chloé Zhao’s Hamnet film, co-written with Maggie O’Farrell, made its remarkable debut at the 2025 Telluride Film Festival, captivating audiences with its empathetic storytelling and artistic depth, and is set to reach theaters on November 26. The film, based on O’Farrell’s acclaimed novel, explores the deeply human impact of art, focusing on the lives and losses of Shakespeare’s family in Elizabethan England.
Exploring Love, Loss, and Art Through the Shakespeare Family
The narrative centers around Agnes, portrayed by Jessie Buckley, whose marriage to William Shakespeare, played by Paul Mescal, forms the emotional core of the film. As they build a life together in the village, their family grows to include three children: Eliza, Judith, and Hamnet. The twins Judith and Hamnet’s arrival is marked by fragility, especially for Judith, whose survival is uncertain from the beginning. Agnes, shaped by her own early loss of her mother and her mystical connection to nature, develops a reputation among local villagers as possessing otherworldly foresight—a trait that makes her marginal in her own community.
William Shakespeare’s ambitions draw him to London, encouraged by Agnes and aided by her brother Bartholomew. His absence becomes a deep source of pain for Agnes, especially when an unexpected tragedy shakes the family. The couple’s grief and distance are brought into sharp relief during these trials, with Shakespeare ultimately channeling his sorrow into the creation of Hamlet, a theatrical masterpiece that forever changes the course of literature and art.
An Artistic Masterpiece Crafted by a Talented Team
Hamnet is noted not only for its emotional resonance but also for its masterful technical elements. Max Richter’s evocative score heightens the film’s poignant moments, leaving a lasting impression that extends beyond the theater. Cinematographer Łukasz Żal’s approach is deliberate and patient, aligning with Zhao’s contemplative pacing to deliver scenes where emotions surface subtly, often catching the viewer off guard. The camera work and direction perfect a style Zhao hinted at in earlier films like The Rider and Nomadland, now achieving greater emotional impact.
The performances of Jessie Buckley and Paul Mescal drive the film’s authenticity and power, with their onscreen connection delivering moments of breathtaking intimacy. The younger cast members, including Freya Hannan-Mills, Olivia Lynes, and Jacobi Jupe, offer rare, nuanced performances that add further depth. A particularly memorable scene involves the children playacting for their parents, a moment that lingers long after the film ends.
The Elevation of Storytelling in the Globe Theater
The film’s final act reaches its emotional peak within the historic Globe Theater. Here, the intersection of personal grief and universal art is made vivid through Agnes’ experience as she watches her husband’s creation come to life. Her reactions—wordless yet deeply expressive—capture the essence of transformation through art. Jessie Buckley’s portrayal is especially striking in these moments: emotions cascading across her face, she invites the audience into her journey, embodying confusion, anger, and exuberance without uttering a word. Through her, the healing power of storytelling becomes evident, offering solace and understanding amid pain.
Redefining the Role of Art in Our Lives
Hamnet asserts that artistic pursuits—books, films, music—are not luxuries but essential aspects of existence, analogous to breathing itself. The film responds to ongoing debates about the value and funding of the arts, especially in societies hesitant to support creativity, arguing for the indispensable role of artistic expression in processing both joy and sorrow. Stories offer a means of survival, understanding, and, ultimately, transformation.
The Chloé Zhao Hamnet film stands as a testament to the enduring necessity of art, a film that reminds viewers of the profound ways stories can help us navigate the complexities of life. With its theatrical release approaching, Hamnet promises to spark discussions about empathy, creativity, and the vital importance of sustaining the arts for future generations.
