Film Review – Hamnet (2025)

      Hamnet, 2025.

      Written and Directed by Chloe Zhao.

      Directed by Chloe Zhao. Featuring Jessie Buckley, Paul Mescal, Emily Watson, and Joe Alwyn.

      SYNOPSIS:

      The poignant tale of love and grief that inspired Shakespeare’s enduring classic, Hamlet.

      In Hamnet, writer/director Chloe Zhao (adapting Maggie O’Farrell’s 2020 novel) infuses her unique and tender approach into a narrative about the origins of William Shakespeare’s renowned Hamlet—a complex story that goes beyond its straightforward premise. While the film may appear simple, the profound sorrow experienced by Agnes Shakespeare (Jessie Buckley) and her husband William (Paul Mescal) after an unimaginable tragedy, along with their responses to it, adds layers of complexity.

      The film also acts as an introduction to William Shakespeare himself, skillfully incorporating various aspects of his life and his love for Agnes. Despite a somewhat hurried retelling of the Greek tragedy Orpheus and Eurydice, the deep affection they share is palpable and sets the tone for the emotional weight that the film carries. The constant undercurrent of tragedy evokes the themes present in his literary works, such as Hamlet, Romeo and Juliet, and Macbeth, without overtly leaning into fan service; instead, it offers an organic exploration of events that arguably influenced one of the greatest literary legacies.

      It’s expected that Shakespeare, who frequently journeyed from the English countryside to London to further his theatrical ambitions, immersed himself in his writing as a means of coping with the tragedy. Like a dedicated writer, his work on Hamlet becomes a way of escaping from Agnes and their family, culminating in a beautifully heart-wrenching third act that creates an opportunity for viewers to release their pent-up emotions.

      Hamnet is just as much the story of Agnes as it is of William, with Jessie Buckley delivering an exceptional performance that captures lyrical romance, tragic visions, and intense grief. The use of the word “force” is fitting, as when Agnes retreats into the forest—a space of familiarity due to her family's long-standing expertise in plants and fruits—to give birth, her primal scream resonates with the natural world around her.

      Chloe Zhao, collaborating with cinematographer Łukasz Żal, crafts each scene akin to a vibrant painting with remarkable composition, imbuing the film with a powerful essence. Buckley’s performance leans heavily on close-ups that express profound pain as she grapples with the distance that develops between her and William during this dark chapter.

      The exceptional performances extend beyond Buckley and Mescal, with the Shakespeare children also evoking strong emotions through their raw desperation to protect one another, especially in scenes featuring Jacobi Jupe (Hamnet) and Olivia Lynes (Judith). While Shakespeare is renowned for his tales of ill-fated romances, his own family life similarly reflects a narrative where true happiness feels elusive.

      Hamnet becomes a means of therapy and healing, accompanied by a lengthy reenactment of a segment that may acquire new significance for those unfamiliar with Shakespeare's life. It’s unnecessary to be an expert in his works; Agnes articulates her own confusion regarding the play’s meaning. Yet, in just a few moments, the emotional impact lands, leading to an outpouring of tears—this film profoundly enriches the understanding of the Shakespeare family and his celebrated literature.

      Flickering Myth Rating – Film: ★ ★ ★ ★ / Movie: ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

      Robert Kojder