You may read the title of this film and think it is a typo or some kind of mistake for the title of Shakespear’s play, Hamlet. It is not. It is noted at the beginning of the film that the names Hamnet and Hamlet were interchangeable in England. The Northern Irish writer Maggie O’Farrell wrote a historical fiction novel titled Hamnet (2020). An adaptation of her novel has been co-written for a screenplay with the Oscar winning director Chloé Zhao (The Rider, Nomadland). Even if someone makes a face at the sheer mention of Shakespeare and thinks this film is primarily about him, it is safe to say the script isn’t only about him, but about part of his life. A part of life that many of us can relate to and most likely will when the full film is viewed. A life-altering loss is something most anyone can understand.
While a young William (Paul Mescal) is tutoring young boys at a farmhouse, his eye catches a glimpse of Agnes (Jessie Buckley) out in the gardens and lush forest around the farm. He is very intrigued by her and wants to know more about her. Her formal name is Anne Hathaway but responds to the name Agnes. There is some noted tension in her family, also referred to as a “witch” (alleging her mother was a forest witch). Agnes is a natural healer, informed about and connected to nature and earth, thus is most at home outdoors. As was then and is now to this day, unfortunately, her knowledge of healing and “seeing” are mistaken and labeled as that of a witch.
It is out in the open where William and Agnes begin their passionate romance. The farmer’s daughter becomes pregnant, both families have fits, especially William’s mother, Mary (Emily Watson). She has a great line in the script when asking Paul about the pregnancy. I wanted to laugh but remembered this was probably how they spoke about sex in England so many centuries ago. They do marry and their daughter, Susanna, is born.
William is trying to focus on his art as a writer and leaves the family behind to pursue his art in London. Of course, this causes long periods of time away from home causing strain. She gives birth to their twins, Hamnet (Jacobi Jupe, excellent) and Judith, without his presence. Agnes creates a happy home for their children, educating them about the land and nature.
Jessie Buckley’s performance from beginning to end is superb, whether she has dialogue or not. Her face can relay the full range of emotions, from extreme ecstasy to the deepest grief. Hamnet died at the age of 11. It is the latter performance when she is in full grief that her performance stabbed my heart and emotions. I remember the scene so vividly.
Cinematographer Łukasz Żal excels in his use of the beautiful landscape, green outdoors and natural light as well as capturing the facial expressions and close ups of each character. I felt so connected to them. I highly recommend this film.
Hamnet is rated PG-13 by the Motion Picture Association “for thematic content, some strong sexuality, and partial nudity.” Running time: 125 minutes.
The film was available to view at the Austin Film Festival in October and now opens in Austin, TX on November 26, 2025, expanding in theaters nationwide on December 5, 2025.
Source: Focus Features
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