Hamnet Trailer: Paul Mescal and Jessie Buckley Featured in Chloé Zhao’s Shakespearean Drama

      Following her foray into the Marvel universe, Oscar-winning director Chloé Zhao shifts back to more dramatically engaging content with a new project focused on the most renowned playwright in history. Adapted from Maggie O’Farrell’s novel, *Hamnet* presents a fictional narrative about William Shakespeare (played by Paul Mescal) and his wife Agnes Shakespeare (portrayed by Jessie Buckley) in the aftermath of their 11-year-old son's death. While we hope to see Zhao return to the heights of her earlier works, like *The Rider*, we are particularly eager to witness her collaboration with cinematographer Łukasz Żal, who is making his return to film since *The Zone of Interest*. With a likely premiere at Telluride and a confirmed TIFF showing, followed by a November 27 release, the first trailer has just been unveiled.

      Here’s the TIFF summary: “During William Shakespeare’s lifetime, the names Hamlet and Hamnet were often used interchangeably. Chloé Zhao, director of the TIFF ’20 People’s Choice Award-winning film *Nomadland*, brings this context to life in her latest work, offering a poignant look at Shakespeare’s family life while linking a personal tragedy to one of his most notable creations. Zhao suggests that a deeper understanding of *Hamlet* might emerge when we realize it was crafted while the eminent writer of the Western literary canon was grieving the loss of his 11-year-old son, Hamnet. The principal character in *Hamnet* isn’t The Bard—masterfully depicted by Paul Mescal—or even the child after whom the film is named. Instead, *Hamnet* centers around Agnes, Shakespeare’s contemplative wife, played by the captivating Jessie Buckley, who infuses the film with her warmth. Many historical narratives approach Hamnet’s death with statistics outlining the prevalence of child mortality in the 16th century, as if it had little emotional weight. *Hamnet* challenges that notion, portraying Shakespeare not as an aloof, untouchable genius, but rather as a genuine man whose literary brilliance was profoundly influenced by his home life.”

      Watch the trailer below, featuring Emily Watson and Joe Alwyn.