‘Hamnet’ trailer
The trailer for Focus Features’ “Hamnet” starring Jessie Buckley and Paul Mescal. Directed by Chloé Zhao.
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Some of one of the best movies are those that catch you off guard, ones that you do not count on to love or that resonate with you after the credit roll. “Hamnet” is one in every of them.
Adapted from Maggie O’Farrell’s 2020 novel of the identical title, “Hamnet” tells a fictionalized depiction of the loss of life of William Shakespeare‘s solely son, Hamnet, instructed by the angle of his spouse Anne Hathaway — referred to within the movie as Agnes.
Jessie Buckley stars as Agnes, a rebellious farm woman who sparks a romance with Will (Paul Mescal), an aspiring playwright and poet. An unplanned being pregnant leads them to tie the knot and occurring to have three kids: Susanna adopted by twins Hamnet and Judith.
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Jessie Buckley stars as Agnes and Paul Mescal as William Shakespeare in director Chloé Zhao’s “Hamnet,” a Focus Features launch. (Agata Grzybowska / © 2025 Focus Features LLC)
While Agnes is elevating the kids within the countryside, Will travels backwards and forwards from London in hopes to propel his profession whereas Agnes raises the kids within the countryside. It is sadly when he’s away that tragedy strikes the Shakespeare family because the plague claims the lifetime of 11-year-old Hamnet (Jacobi Jupe). Will’s absence through the household disaster places a pressure on his fragile marriage.
Buckley shouldn’t be but a marquee title — although her immense expertise warrants it. She’s been a darling of indie movies, delivering one standout efficiency after one other (“Wild Rose,” “I’m Thinking of Ending Things,” “The Lost Daughter,” and “Women Talking,” simply to call a couple of). Her transformative portrayal of Agnes might make her an Oscar contender, taking audiences on an emotional curler coaster from pure bliss to utter anguish.
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Jessie Buckley stars as Agnes and Joe Alwyn as Bartholomew in director Chloé Zhao’s “Hamnet,” a Focus Features launch.
Mescal, a rising star in his personal proper — finest recognized for final yr’s “Gladiator II” — continues to earn his place within the firm of our technology’s main males enjoying the famend author, dealing with the lack of his son by placing collectively a tragedy known as “Hamlet.”
While robust performances from Buckley and Mescal are anticipated, it is twelve-year-old Jacobi Jupe who really impresses because the emotionally clever Hamnet, showcasing each innocence and heartbreak not typically seen from youngster actors. Expect him to have an extended profession forward.
Jacobi Jupe stars as Hamnet in director Chloé Zhao’s “Hamnet,” a Focus Features launch.
If “Hamnet” is an orchestra, then Chloé Zhao is its conductor, delicately preserving a ravishing melody between the terrific performances, her piercing screenplay and the wealthy cinematography of Lukasz Zal.
Zhao, the author/director of the 2021 Best Picture winner “Nomadland,” exceeds herself right here. It’s no shock that Hollywood giants Steven Spielberg and Sam Mendes signed on as producers.
Jessie Buckley stars as Agnes and Joe Alwyn as Bartholomew in director Chloé Zhao’s “Hamnet,” a Focus Features launch. (Agata Grzybowska / © 2025 Focus Features LLC)
The Verdict:
“Hamnet” is an extremely shifting interval drama that showcases tender storytelling, cinematic artistry and spectacular performances. It’s movies like this that ought to make us grateful now we have the flexibility to really feel as people, even when it is agony. It’s why we go to the motion pictures.
★★★★ — SEE IT NOW
“Hamnet” is rated PG-13 for thematic content material, some robust sexuality, and partial nudity. Running time: 2 hours, 5 minutes. In theaters now.
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