Director Chloe Zhao delivers what critics are calling the most emotionally powerful film of 2025 with "Hamnet," a period drama that reimagines the inspiration behind Shakespeare's most famous tragedy.
The Focus Features release, adapted from Maggie O'Farrell's acclaimed novel, centers on Agnes Shakespeare (Jessie Buckley) and her husband William (Paul Mescal) as they navigate devastating loss in 16th-century England. The film explores how their son's untimely death became the catalyst for "Hamlet," one of literature's greatest works.
Opening in select theaters today before expanding nationwide December 12th, "Hamnet" distinguishes itself through Zhao's signature naturalistic approach. Cinematographer Łukasz Żal captures the English countryside with breathtaking authenticity, utilizing candlelight and golden-hour photography to immerse viewers in the late 1500s.
"This isn't just another Shakespeare adaptation," notes early festival reactions from TIFF screenings. "It's an examination of how artists transform personal tragedy into timeless art."
The narrative follows Agnes in Stratford-upon-Avon while William remains in London pursuing his theatrical career. Their parallel grief journeys culminate in the film's extraordinary final act, where Agnes witnesses her husband's new play for the first time.
Jessie Buckley commands the screen in what industry observers are already calling an awards-contender performance. Her portrayal of maternal grief requires minimal dialogue, relying instead on subtle expressions and physical presence to convey profound loss.
Paul Mescal brings vulnerability to the often-mythologized playwright, though his character's London-based storyline creates occasional pacing challenges in the first hour. The Jupe brothers—Jacobi as young Hamnet and Noah as stage Hamlet—deliver remarkably mature performances that anchor the film's most devastating sequences.
"The Globe Theatre recreation alone is worth the price of admission," early reviews suggest, praising the production design's historical accuracy.
In a cinematic landscape dominated by franchises and IP, "Hamnet" proves audiences still crave original storytelling rooted in human experience. The film's meditation on grief, artistic expression, and enduring love resonates beyond its period setting.
Zhao's direction transforms familiar source material into something entirely fresh—a testament to her ability to find universal truths in specific stories. The final 40 minutes build to a cathartic crescendo that recontextualizes "Hamlet" itself, offering viewers new appreciation for the centuries-old masterpiece.
Our Verdict: An essential theatrical experience that combines technical excellence with raw emotional power. Bring tissues.
Rating: 4.5/5 stars
"Hamnet" opens in select cities November 26th, expanding wide December 12th.