Hamnet Review: A Visually Stunning And Emotionally Gripping Shakespearean Tale

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I had a surprising experience while watching Chloé Zhao’s film, Hamnet. I went to a screening at the Toronto International Film Festival expecting a lot, as it had received rave reviews after premiering at Telluride. Everyone I knew who’d seen it had been moved to tears, but I rarely cry during movies – I’m not sure why, I just don’t seem to be able to.

By the end of Hamnet, I went from being quietly engaged to completely overwhelmed with emotion – I was gasping and crying. The impact of the story suddenly hit me powerfully, and I just let myself feel it. Zhao has created something truly remarkable.

Hamnet Is A Tale Of Love And Grief, Sensitively Told

The film Hamnet is inspired by Maggie O’Farrell’s novel of the same name, imagining the life of William Shakespeare (played by Paul Mescal), the tragic loss of his son, and how that loss may have influenced the writing of his famous play, Hamlet. It’s a deeply emotional and complex story, but director Zhao handles it with confidence and great sensitivity, co-writing the screenplay with O’Farrell herself.

While Shakespeare is well-known, the story actually centers on his wife, Agnes (played by Jessie Buckley). The film opens with their first encounter, which is immediately filled with attraction and a sense of mystery. Their romance is as untamed as the stories about Agnes herself, who spends much of her time in the woods and seems to possess a mystical quality. She’s believed to have the ability to foresee a person’s future with just a touch.

Agnes and William quickly start a family and get married, though not necessarily in that order, and they happily adjust to life at home. However, a disaster is coming, and Agnes has long felt a sense of foreboding. She once had a vision of herself with two children at her bedside as she died, but she actually ends up having three.

Although the sadness of what’s coming hangs over the novel Hamnet, the author doesn’t dwell on it. Instead, she focuses on showing us the family’s everyday life – how the children play with each other and relate to their parents. This makes us feel like we’re part of the family, which makes Hamnet’s death even more heartbreaking.

Jacobi Jupe, a talented young actor, plays Hamnet, and even in his limited screen time, he delivers a memorable performance. When his father, William, leaves for London to work on his plays, Hamnet bravely promises to be strong, but his mother, Agnes, quickly finds him upset. This instantly makes us care about him and want to protect him, just like his parents do.

Zhao handles the details of the death with honesty, but avoids sensationalizing the family’s sorrow. Each family member has a poignant moment to share their emotions, with Agnes experiencing particularly intense pain. However, the portrayal remains understated and respectful, making the grief even more impactful as things calm down. It’s a devastating scene, not because of dramatic displays, but because of its quiet and thoughtful approach.

Every Element Of Hamnet Comes Together To Make Something Beautiful

While the story centers around the death of Hamnet, the book is actually much broader in scope. It beautifully portrays the love story between William and Agnes, William’s work as a playwright, and Agnes’ experiences as a mother. The novel creates a rich and immersive historical world, brought to life through stunning set and costume design by Fiona Crombie and Malgosia Turzanska.

Saoirse Ronan is fantastic as Agnes. While her initial grief is powerful, it’s the subtle expressions on her face at the film’s conclusion that truly provide emotional release. Paul Mescal is equally captivating as Shakespeare, portraying a family man still burdened by old wounds and his passion for the stage. He skillfully performs several of Shakespeare’s famous speeches.

The most inspired casting choice isn’t one of the main stars. Noah Jupe plays the young actor performing as Hamlet, and his blonde hair immediately suggests he’s meant to resemble the late Hamnet. Interestingly, Noah Jupe is actually the brother of the actor who played the original Hamnet, creating a natural and subtle connection between the two characters through their shared family likeness.

Zhao’s meticulous approach is evident throughout Hamnet, but particularly shines in her masterful direction. She uses deliberate, flowing camera work, switching between expansive landscapes and intimate close-ups, to create a visually striking and emotionally resonant film. The final scene is especially captivating – a truly spellbinding moment that deserves recognition.

I was completely stunned after watching Hamnet. Zhao has created something truly magical, and I know I’ll be thinking about it for a long time. It’s a beautiful and emotionally powerful film, with incredible performances, and is easily one of the year’s best. Hamnet is a movie that will stay with viewers for years to come.

The film Hamnet premiered at the Toronto International Film Festival and will be in cinemas on November 27th.

Note: This review was originally published on September 9th, 2025.

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2025-11-26 22:53