I really enjoy films based on William Shakespeare’s literature or his life, there’s a level of prestige and respect that gets brought to the screen, I think of Baz Luhrmann’s Romeo + Juliet, Shakespeare in Love, The Tragedy of Macbeth, as well as then the variations on his story we’ve had through the likes of West Side Story and The Lion King. Oscar Winning director, Chloe Zhao is the latest to take on a story about Shakespeare, this time look more specifically at his wife, Agnes and their son, Hamnet.

Hamnet tells the story of how William Shakespeare (played by Paul Mescal) meets his wife, Agnes (played by Jessie Buckley) and the story of their children, particularly their son, Hamnet, which leads to Shakespeare writing one of his most successful plays, Hamlet.

This film has quite a clear 3 acts. I don’t know how much people know about this story, so I won’t spoil it here, as I think the punches will land harder if you don’t know. The film definitely gets stronger as it progresses, and more interesting as it goes as well.

Jessie Buckley’s performance in the film has given her a lot of award season buzz, and at this stage has already earned her a Critics Choice Award and a Golden Globe (if they mean anything), I think it’s extremely likely she’ll go onto win the Actors Award (hate that SAG changed that name), BAFTA and would be surprised if she didn’t take home the Oscar as well. Jessie’s star has been quietly on the rise for a few years since her early days starring in BBC’s War and Peace and Taboo, before ultimately breaking through with a fantastic performance in Wild Rose, which earned her a BAFTA nomination. Since then, she’s gone onto star in Chernobyl, Fargo, Men, Women Talking and picked up her first Oscar nomination for The Lost Daughter. Like the film, I think her performance stands out more as the film goes on, and particularly the final act where Agnes watches Hamlet in the Globe is not just the best part of the film, but where Buckley truly delivers.

Paul Mescal is one of the most consistent actors working, he never fails to deliver a powerful performance since his breakout role in BBC drama Normal People alongside Daisy Edgar-Jones. He earned himself a deserved Oscar nomination for Aftersun. He seems like someone who has a future where he will consistently get nominated most years. However, he does have a quiet few years ahead of him, before he stars in the 4 Beatles biopics that are set to be released in 2028, as Paul McCartney. I don’t think he’s likely to get a win this year for Hamnet, which perhaps has him on the edge of a relatively strong year for supporting actors. He certainly takes a backseat to Jessie in this film, and the films push is certainly for her. I’d have liked to have seen more of Shakespeare and his process in writing Hamlet particularly, which I think would’ve elevated the film, but I understand we’re supposed to be more on Agnes’ side and seeing it from her point of view.

I’d also like to shout-out a fantastic performance from Jacobi Jupe who plays Hamnet in the film. He does have a long amount of screen time but delivers when he is, for a child actor to deliver on that level, is quite rare, and will definitely boost his young career.

Chloe Zhao dipped her toes into the world of cinematic franchises when she directed Marvel Studios’ Eternals, a film that struggled at the box office (perhaps due to releasing towards the end of covid and a lack of care about any of the characters involved) and with audiences, however it has gained a little cult following of people that absolutely love it and defend it. This is her first film since then, with the film before Eternals being Nomadland which earned her a Best Director Oscar win. She’s a fantastic director who excels in the smaller moments and manages to get strong performances out of her actors. She is extremely likely to pick up a second Oscar nomination for Best Director, however will only win if Paul Thomas Anderson and Ryan Coogler take split the voting enough.

Overall, Hamnet is interesting watch, which despite a slow meandering first half, really finds it’s feet in the final act where it allows stars Jessie Buckley and Paul Mescal can shine in subtle ways. A lock for multiple Oscar nominations (which we will find out in a few days) and deservedly so.

What did you think of Hamnet?

Due to my days off next week it’s unlikely I’ll have any reviews out until the following week (hopefully No Other Choice), however with the Oscar nominations being revealed on Thursday, I’ll be doing a post recapping the nominations and who I think will win each award.To make sure you don’t miss that, follow me on social media @floodersfilms or via the buttons below.

• Facebook
• Instagram
• X