I was excited about seeing Hamnet primarily because I love Shakespeare, both the tragedies and the comedies. This unique look at the origins of one of his greatest tragedies, Hamlet, was something I really wanted to see and coming out of the screening, I felt the film was breathtaking and raw, the performances some of the best I’ve seen, not just this year but for the last few years. 

Hamnet is a historical drama film co-written and directed by Chloe Zhao. The screenplay was co-written with Maggie O’Farrell based on the 2020 titular novel by O’Farrell. The fictionalized story details the marriage of Agnes Hathaway (Anne in historical documents) (Jessie Buckley) and William Shakepeare (Paul Mescal). The pair meet when Will is tutoring students in Latin and see Agnes flying a hawk. The pair gossip, flirt and eventually fall in love with the approval of Agnes’ brother Bartholomew (Joe Alwyn). The film goes on to detail their marriage as Agnes sends William to London to write his plays and become successful while she stays in Stratford raising their three children with the help of William’s mother Mary (Emily Watson). Eventually, tragedy strikes them resulting in resentment and anger between Agnes and William but also leads to the play Hamlet. The question becomes will Agnes resent the writing of the play or will she forgive William. 

It is rare for me to want to call any film a masterpiece but this movie comes very close. Perhaps it is the combination of utilizing the words of Shakespeare or perhaps it is the gentle building of the relationship between Agnes and William. From the start, Agnes is portrayed as different from the other women of the village, having been raised by her mother to respect the forest and a knowledge of herbal lore, leading others to call her a witch. William is also treated differently especially by his father for being learned and wanting to write. I love that rather than keep William with her when he struggles with depression and the desire to bring his words to life, Agnes sends him to London to find happiness in creating his plays. Even though she loves him, she wants what is best for him. While that eventually leads to anger and resentment when he isn’t around when she needs him most, the desire for each to be happy with their choices is admirable. The film builds the emotion and power of the story up until it culminates in the tragedy and an ending that is heartbreaking and evocative. 

There are not many special effects or twists. This is a drama film that cuts right to the heart of the emotions in the film. The performances are emotional and powerful which upholds the straightforward but heartfelt narrative. The film focuses on the people, the emotional bond of a mother for her child, for a father for his son and the raw emotionality that occurs when one loses a child to tragic circumstances.

Jessie Buckley and Paul Mescal are phenomenal and give breathtaking portrayals. Jessie Buckley is powerful and strong as Agnes but also heartbreaking in her portrayal of a mother who has lost her child. The acting is raw, emotional and authentic. Paul Mescal gives a profoundly excellent performance as William Shakespeare, infusing his words with the drama and emotion that the playwright gave his writing. The performance of Hamlet by both Mescal and Noah Jupe as Hamlet is one of the best performances I’ve seen of the play. All three, Jessie Buckley, Paul Mescal, and Noah Jupe will bring you to tears with their acting and the raw emotion in their acting.

While it is not a critique, the film does have a slow build and one scene that seems out of place but eventually makes sense in the wider context of the story. The slow build allows the writing and the emotion to build, for the audience to get to know Agnes and William, and to learn about their children. While slower, it allows the film to build emotion and power and bring a masterful story that is breathtaking and raw, one that will bring you to your knees with tears. 

If you love the words of Shakespeare and his powerful plays, you will love this fictionalized story about the origins of Hamlet. It is a powerful and deeply emotional film with breathtaking performances by Jessie Buckley and Paul Mescal. The narrative is told gently, building up the drama and allowing the raw emotions to carry the story. The film also features Noah Jupe as Hamlet in an incredible performance. The authentic and emotional story will bring you to tears. The film is incredibly beautiful and evocative but most of all it is one of the best films of the year. 

Rating: 5 out of 5 words. 

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