Hamnet: A Poignant, Poetic Exploration of Love and Loss That Redefines Shakespearean Tragedy

Hamnet (2025)

Hamnet (2025), directed by Chloé Zhao and adapted from Maggie O’Farrell’s acclaimed novel, is a moving historical drama that reframes one of literature’s greatest tragedies through the lens of intimate family life. Rather than retelling Hamlet, the film imagines the emotional story behind the literal death of William Shakespeare’s son Hamnet — and the profound grief that may have inspired Shakespeare’s masterpiece.

What Works

Heart-Rending Performances

Jessie Buckley delivers a breathtaking performance as Agnes, the grieving mother whose emotional arc anchors the entire film. Her transformation — from joy and hope to unbearable sorrow — is raw and deeply affecting, earning widespread praise and awards attention. Paul Mescal complements her as William Shakespeare, giving a quiet, nuanced portrayal of a man who channels his grief into art. Critics have singled out both performances as standout elements.

Richly Felt Emotional Core

Hamnet is at its most powerful when it explores ordinary family life and then depicts the shock of a devastating loss. The film’s emphasis on love, parenting, and grief makes the sorrow feel lived-in and universal — not distant or abstract. Many reviews highlight the deeply cathartic final act as a testament to Zhao’s skill at marrying feeling with narrative.

Beautiful Cinematography and Production

Cinematographer Łukasz Żal’s work — from the verdant countryside to intimate cabin interiors — frames the story in a way that visually echoes Agnes’s emotional state. The rural landscapes feel almost like characters themselves, adding an immersive sense of place that enhances the story’s thematic weight.

Emotional Authenticity Over Historical Pomp

Rather than glorifying Shakespeare’s genius, the film shows him as a flawed, often absent father striving to wrest meaning from catastrophe. This grounded approach gives the story emotional heft, making Shakespeare relatable rather than mythic — and exploring how personal agony can fuel creation.

What Doesn’t Work for Everyone

Deliberate Pace and Subtle Storytelling

Hamnet unfolds at a contemplative rhythm, which some viewers may find slow or austere. The focus on mood and internal experience rather than dramatic plot twists requires patience and emotional investment — and not all audiences connect with its meditative style.

Script & Supporting Characters

While many praise the leads’ performances, a few critics and viewers feel the screenplay stretches its emotional focus over a long timeline, and some secondary characters lack depth. This can make parts of the narrative feel less cohesive or fully realized compared with the central story of Agnes and William. Audience discussions note that supporting roles can appear flatter next to the main actors’ intense presence.

Heavy Emotional Weight

The film doesn’t shy away from sorrow — and for some, that unflinching portrayal of grief can feel overwhelming or manipulative. A portion of viewers express that the emotional intensity, especially in the latter half, might not resonate with all tastes, seeing the film’s mood as bleak rather than uplifting.

Final Verdict

Hamnet is a deeply affecting and beautifully rendered drama that transforms a tragic historical moment into a cinematic meditation on love, loss, and artistic inspiration. Anchored by extraordinary lead performances — particularly Jessie Buckley’s searing turn as Agnes — and guided by Chloé Zhao’s graceful direction, the film strikes a chord that lingers after the credits roll.

Highly recommended for audiences who appreciate emotionally rich storytelling, character-driven historical drama, and films that linger on the heart rather than conventional plot mechanics.

Best for: viewers drawn to reflective drama with psychological depth.

Less ideal for: those seeking fast pacing or light entertainment.