Review: Hamnet (2025)
Director: Chloé Zhao
Screenplay: Chloé Zhao & Maggie O’Farrell
Cast: Jessie Buckley, Paul Mescal, Emily Watson, Joe Alwyn, Jacobi Jupe, Olivia Lynes, David Wilmot, Louisa Harland, Freya Hannan-Mills, Noah Jupe
Music: Max Richter
Cinematography: Łukasz Żal
Running Time: 125 minutes
Studio: Focus Features
Hamnet, adapted from Maggie O’Farrell’s acclaimed novel and co-written by the author herself, imagines the early life of William Shakespeare long before he became the legendary playwright. Rather than focusing on his literary fame, the film explores the intimate and emotional story of his family life, especially his relationship with his wife, Agnes.
William (Paul Mescal), a young Latin teacher, falls in love with the mysterious Agnes (Jessie Buckley), a woman rumored to possess almost mystical abilities and a deep connection with nature. Together they form a family, welcoming their daughter Susanna and later the twins, Hamnet and Judith. As William’s ambitions take him to London more frequently, Agnes remains at home caring for their children, and the emotional distance between them slowly grows.
Director Chloé Zhao approaches the story with a naturalistic and human tone, prioritizing quiet moments and emotional reflection over historical spectacle. However, the film’s pacing and frequent time jumps can feel disjointed, making some scenes harder to follow. The narrative sometimes lacks cohesion, and the central relationship occasionally feels cold rather than deeply passionate.
Paul Mescal’s performance has moments of restraint but can feel too mechanical, missing the intensity the character demands. In contrast, Jessie Buckley delivers a powerful and layered portrayal of Agnes, capturing her transformation from a curious young woman into a grieving and devoted mother. Her performance stands out as the emotional core of the film. Jacobi Jupe also impresses, especially in the film’s most dramatic scenes.
Visually, Hamnet is striking. Zhao uses nature, light, and silence to create a poetic atmosphere, while themes of life, death, and loss permeate every frame. The cinematography is elegant and somber, reinforcing the film’s tragic undertones. Still, despite its beauty, the film sometimes feels overly formal and calculated, as though crafted specifically for awards recognition rather than raw emotional impact.
Although the movie earned multiple Academy Award nominations, its emotional resonance may not be as powerful as intended. The story of grief and artistic inspiration is compelling, but the execution occasionally feels distant.
Final Verdict
Rating: Average
A visually beautiful and well-acted drama with strong performances, particularly from Jessie Buckley, but held back by uneven pacing and limited emotional depth.
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