HAMNET

Review: This historical drama imagines the life of Agnes and William Shakespeare, and how they cope after losing their son Hamnet to plague.
Director: Chloe Zhao
Actors: Jessie Buckley, Paul Mescal, Zac Wishart, James Lintern, Joe Alwyn, Justine Mitchell, Eva Wishart, Effie Linnen, Emily Watson, David Wilmot, Freya Hannan-Mills, Dainton Anderson, Louisa Harland, Elliot Baxter, Faith Delaney, Smylie Bradwell, Laura Guest, John MacKay, Jacobi Jupe and Noah Jupe
Year: 2025
Genre: Biography, Drama, History and Romance
Conclusion: 3/5
This is based on Maggie O’Farrell’s novel of the same name. I thought that Jessie Buckley and Paul Mescal were both exceptional. Lovely to see Joe Alwyn who I felt didn’t really have that much material to work with but portrayed his character brilliantly. Very good performances from the child actors. The climax of the film is a production of Hamlet in a theatre like the Globe Theatre. This involves a brilliant performance by Noah Jupe in the role of Hamlet. I loved the musical score composed by Max Richter. I personally don’t agree with the song “On the Nature of Daylight” being used as it has been most recently used in EastEnders and other TV/Films. I enjoyed the cinematography. I enjoyed the film. It reminded me of the film All Is True (2018). Two of the most important themes in Hamnet are love and loss. At the Golden Globe Awards this won 2 awards. They were for Best Motion Picture – Drama and Best Performance by a Female Actor in a Motion Picture – Drama (Jessie Buckley).