Picture this: a cinematic experience so profoundly heartbreaking that it unites festival crowds in a symphony of tears. That's the raw power of 'Hamnet,' the latest from acclaimed director Chloé Zhao, and it's already positioning itself as a major player in this year's awards season. But here's where it gets intriguing – could this tale of love, loss, and literary inspiration really reshape how we view one of history's greatest playwrights? Let's dive in and explore why Jessie Buckley and Paul Mescal are poised to dazzle on the Oscar stage.
Buckley and Mescal take center stage as Agnes and William Shakespeare in Zhao's poignant adaptation of Maggie O’Farrell's 2020 novel. Set in the 16th century, this Focus Features film hits theaters on November 27 and is generating serious buzz as a frontrunner for Academy Awards glory, with Buckley eyeing Best Actress and Mescal gunning for Best Supporting Actor. Audiences at Telluride and Toronto were visibly moved, their emotions running high as the story unfolds the couple's romance, the birth of their two children, and the tragic blow of losing one to the bubonic plague – a devastating disease that ravaged Europe in waves, killing millions and leaving families shattered. For beginners unfamiliar with the era, think of the plague as a deadly epidemic that spread rapidly through fleas on rats, turning everyday life into a nightmare of fear and grief.
And this is the part most people miss: much of the narrative is speculative, particularly the idea that the death of their son Hamnet – who was laid to rest in August 1596 – played a pivotal role in inspiring Shakespeare's masterpiece, 'Hamlet.' As Mescal's character pens and rehearses the play amidst the family's turmoil, viewers are invited to ponder the emotional undercurrents that might have fueled such timeless tragedy. Max Richter's haunting score amplifies the intensity, crafting an auditory landscape that's as evocative as it is unforgettable, ensuring the film delivers an emotional punch that's hard to shake.
Focus has now released the full trailer ahead of the November premiere, and you can watch it right below. IndieWire critic David Ehrlich didn't hold back, labeling it 'unspeakably devastating fanfic' – a term that might surprise newcomers, but essentially means it's a deeply personal, imaginative take on historical events – and a movie that 'rips your heart right out of your body.' It's a bold description, but one that captures the film's unflinching emotional depth.
In a chat with IndieWire's Anne Thompson, Zhao opened up about how the project came to her through Steven Spielberg and Amblin Entertainment, with Spielberg and Sam Mendes also producing. Given that star-studded backing, it's no wonder expectations were sky-high. 'If I had read the book, I wouldn’t have said no,' Zhao admitted, revealing her initial hesitation after her blockbuster Marvel outing in 'Eternals.' She hadn't even heard of O’Farrell's novel before the offer – a testament to how serendipity can shape cinematic journeys.
But Zhao was crystal clear on one casting choice: she had to have Buckley, whose Oscar nod for Sarah Polley's 'Women Talking' in 2023 showcased her raw talent. 'I knew her work. I had a feeling that she wouldn’t be afraid. There was no vanity in her, which is what Fran McDormand had in 'Nomadland',' Zhao explained. As someone who identifies as neurodivergent – meaning she experiences the world differently, often with heightened sensitivities – Zhao emphasized the importance of authenticity on set. 'When there’s dissonance, I can’t function. I can’t look at the person. So I need that authenticity, and vanity is the number-one enemy of authenticity. Actors, their greatest blessing they can give to the world is their authenticity and their humanness.' It's a profound insight, highlighting how genuine performances can bridge the gap between fiction and real emotion, making films like this resonate on a deeply human level.
Rounding out the cast are talented performers like Emily Watson, Joe Alwyn, and brothers Jacobi and Noah Jupe. Zhao collaborated on editing with Affonso Gonçalves, while the stunning visuals were captured by acclaimed cinematographer Łukasz Żal, whose work on 'Cold War' earned him an ASC award – that's the American Society of Cinematographers, for those just starting to navigate film lingo.
Now, here's where it gets controversial: the film's speculative link between Hamnet's death and the creation of 'Hamlet' isn't backed by solid historical evidence. Some scholars argue it's an overreach, potentially romanticizing tragedy for dramatic effect, while others see it as a valid lens into Shakespeare's psyche. Is this interpretation respectful to the Bard's legacy, or does it risk blurring fact and fiction? And does speculating on personal grief enhance our understanding of his work, or does it detract from the genius of 'Hamlet' as a standalone masterpiece? I'd love to hear your thoughts – do you buy into this connection, or do you think it's a stretch? Share your opinions in the comments below; let's spark a lively debate!
