In Elizabethan England, the names “Hamnet” and “Hamlet” were interchangeable variations of the same name, spelled differently but pronounced almost identically, much like Catherine and Katherine, or Zach and Zack today. Though much of William Shakespeare’s personal life remains a mystery, one thing is certain: his only son was named Hamnet. Based on Maggie O’Farrell’s 2020 New York Times bestseller, with a screenplay co-written by O’Farrell and director Chloé Zhao, Hamnet delivers a moving reimagining of the story that inspired one of Shakespeare’s most iconic plays. While the film is engaging throughout, what truly sets it apart are the perfectly paced emotional beats and the stunning performances of its leads, which reach straight for the heart and linger long after the credits roll.

 

Agnes, historically known as Anne but referred to as Agnes in some accounts (Jessie Buckley), lives on the fringes of her community, the whispered subject of gossip and superstition. Branded as strange for her bond with nature and the lingering rumor that her late mother practiced witchcraft, she carries an air of quiet mystery. When she meets William Shakespeare (Paul Mescal), the young tutor to her stepbrothers, an unexpected connection sparks between them. Their love grows quickly, leading to marriage and a shared life touched by both passion and tragedy. After the devastating loss of their son Hamnet (Jacobi Jupe), the story imagines how that grief transforms into art, culminating in the creation and first performance of Shakespeare’s Hamlet: a tribute born from heartbreak and enduring love.

 

At the heart of the film are its magnetic leads, Jessie Buckley and Paul Mescal. Mescal delivers a quietly devastating performance, full of restrained passion and emotional depth. His portrayal of Shakespeare captures both the tenderness and torment of a man whose art mirrors his life, drawing clear parallels between his inner world and the masterpieces he creates. Buckley complements him beautifully, grounding the story with a fierce, luminous presence that anchors every major emotional moment. Her performance is raw, moving, and utterly believable, carrying much of the film’s emotional weight. The Oscar buzz surrounding her is not only warranted but inevitable. Mescal, too, deserves recognition for his deeply layered performance, even if his placement in the Supporting category hardly reflects his co-lead role in shaping the film’s emotional core.

 

While the film brims with intimate and emotional moments, three stand above the rest: Hamnet’s birth, his death, and the climactic debut of Hamlet. Each scene, steeped in tragedy, owes its power to Jessie Buckley’s commanding presence. These moments serve as the film’s emotional pillars, guiding the story’s progression and deepening its resonance. The final sequence, in particular, leaves a haunting impression that lingers well beyond the closing credits, a testament to the film’s ability to transform personal grief into lasting art.

If you’re worried that Hamnet might be slow, overly serious, or dull, forget those assumptions right now. The film is richly emotional, drawing you in with a rhythm that knows exactly when to let you breathe and when to demand your full attention. Director Chloé Zhao brings Maggie O’Farrell’s acclaimed novel to life with remarkable sensitivity and vision, crafting a story that feels both intimate and grand. Anchored by unforgettable performances from Paul Mescal and Jessie Buckley, Hamnet pulls you into its world and refuses to let go. Though it won’t hit theaters until Thanksgiving, this is a film you’ll want to mark on your calendar, perfect for anyone craving a beautifully told, deeply affecting story or a cathartic holiday cry.