Hamnet

Hamnet is a 126‑minute, beautifully crafted period drama that dives into the heart‑wrenching love and loss that sparked William Shakespeare’s timeless tragedy, Hamlet. Directed by Chloé Zhao and co‑written with Maggie O’Farrell, the film is based on O’Farrell’s 2020 novel and follows the real‑life family of the Bard and his wife, Agnes (Anne Hathaway), as they grapple with the death of their 11‑year‑old son, Hamnet. Jessie Buckley gives a powerhouse performance as Agnes, while Paul Mescal portrays the young, struggling playwright. Supporting turns from Emily Watson, Joe Alwyn and Noah Jupe add depth to a story that feels both intimate and epic.

From the first frame, the movie feels like a tear‑jerker on steroids. It’s a quiet, emotional journey that breaks hearts and mends them in one fell swoop, thanks to Buckley’s raw, almost ethereal portrayal of a mother who experiences the exhilaration of motherhood and the crushing heartbreak of loss. Mescal’s Will is equally compelling, delivering a performance that feels like a bridge between life and the inspiration that would later become Hamlet. The film’s score, composed by Max Richter, lingers long after the credits roll, and the cinematography captures the lush landscapes of 16th‑century England with a subtle, almost dreamlike quality.

Critics have been raving about the film’s emotional force. On Rotten Tomatoes, 86 % of 332 reviews are positive, and Metacritic gives it an 84/100, a testament to its universal acclaim. Buckley’s performance alone has earned her a Golden Globe for Best Actress, a Critics’ Choice Award, and a BAFTA, and the film itself won the People’s Choice Award at TIFF and was nominated for eight Oscars at the 98th Academy Awards. It was also named one of the top ten films of 2025 by the American Film Institute, proving that its impact extends far beyond its 2025 release on 25 November 2025.

If you’re a fan of Shakespeare, period dramas, or stories that explore the depths of family bonds, Hamnet will likely become a favorite. Its emotional intensity and tear‑jerking moments will resonate with anyone who appreciates a strong female lead and a heartfelt narrative. On the flip side, if you’re not a fan of slow‑burning, emotionally heavy films or tear‑jerkers, you might find the pacing a bit too deliberate. The film’s focus on grief and the quiet determination to find meaning in art may feel a bit “Oscar‑bait” to some, but for most viewers, it’s a moving tribute that shows how life can inspire the greatest works of art.

With a modest budget of $35 million and a box‑office haul of $93.4 million, Hamnet proves that a story about love, loss, and the creative spark behind Hamlet can still captivate audiences today. Whether you’re looking for a powerful performance, a lush period setting, or a story that will leave you with a few tears, Hamnet delivers all that and more.