Academy Award-winning director Chloรฉ Zhao, known for “Nomadland,” helms a tender drama that centers on William Shakespeare (played by Paul Mescal) and his family, portrayed through the perspective of his thoughtful wife, Agnes (portrayed by Jessie Buckley).
During Shakespeare’s time, the names Hamlet and Hamnet were often used interchangeably. Zhao’s film delves into Shakespeareโs domestic life and examines the profound impact of his son Hamnetโs death on his creative work. The narrative suggests that to truly understand “Hamlet,” one must acknowledge the grief that influenced its creation.
Based on the novel by Maggie OโFarrell, “Hamnet” emphasizes Agnes’s perspective rather than that of Shakespeare or their son. Buckley infuses warmth into the character, challenging the notion that Hamnetโs death had little effect. The film instead presents Shakespeare as a real man whose genius was shaped by his familial experiences.
