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Fans of methodical historical dramas will adore Chloe Zhao’s “Hamnet,“ an emotionally charged and heartfelt quest through the grief and events that inspired one of the most famous plays in history. It is a visually stunning journey that will shatter your heart and then glue it all back together in just over two hours. Despite its brief run time, Zhao has crafted a moving, passionate story that knows how to take its time and leave an impact.
Based on Maggie O’Farrell’s novel of the same name, “Hamnet“ tells the story of Agnes (Jessie Buckley) and William Shakespeare (Paul Mescal) and their lives together, forever affected by the unforgiving world around them.
The movie is almost entirely faithful to the novel, as it was co-written by O’Farrell, and it is pleasantly accurate in dialogue, setting and character. One of the few differences between the two is how the story is told; the novel switches between past and present, while the film maintains chronological order. This choice makes sense, as a messy timeline would be more difficult with a short amount of time.
“Hamnet“ takes its time with each second it is given, the pacing slow and solemn. At times, it can feel like it drags on, lingering in each scene, but it does not dawdle. ‘Hamnet‘ does not fight for your attention — it expects it. It allows the audience and characters both to sit and breathe, basking in the performances of the fantastic cast.
The visuals are also worth mentioning, especially the portrayal of the woods in which Agnes is deeply connected. It has its own character, being central to each character’s life. Shots are designed to allude to a sort of magical nature of the woods, zooming in on the sparkling morning dew, and enlightening the natural vibrancy of the greenery.It speaks to the elusive and witchy nature of Agnes as perceived by her family and town.
Buckley and Mescal deliver outstanding performances that accomplish the difficult feat of providing a nuanced voice to already well-established figures in history. Buckley encapsulates the entire spectrum of motherhood, from its highest triumphs to its utter devastations, and all the sacrifices in between. She conveys this with such sincerity in a raw, gritty fashion.
It is captivating, and it is real.
Mescal brings an unidealized approach to Shakespeare, showcasing a man troubled by the endless plight of creation. His art drives him away from his children and his wife, bringing light to his own sacrifices and shortcomings. Mescal brilliantly delivers the subtle emotions and reserved feelings of Shakespeare, particularly after the loss he faces.
The final act of the film brings both Agnes and Shakespeare together when Agnes travels to London to see ‘Hamlet,‘ the play sharing the name of her deceased son. She hardly speaks in this final act, yet she is heard nonetheless and never misunderstood.
She realizes that her husband was grieving all along, through his art, in a way that she never understood. Her realization of the immortality of art brings power to the famous words “remember me.”
Buckley’s delivery in this final act is astonishing, the kind of performance that leaves the audience with no choice but to cry on their way out.
The supporting cast is also nothing but stellar. Jacobi Jupe, who stuns as Hamnet, blends soft adolescent emotions and portrays grief at such a young age in an incredible manner. A touching scene of Hamnet and his twin sister Judith (Olivia Lynes) showcases his emotional depth as he bargains with death while facing the grim reality of his powerlessness.
Awards for this movie are surely on their way.
‘Hamnet‘ has brought life back to slow, contemplative films while providing a familiar but unique story of loss, grief and love. It is a dazzling imagining of the origins of one of Shakespeare’s finest tragedies and earns every tear shed while watching.
Rating: 9/10
