Countdown to Oscars 2026
Hamnet (2025) – 8/10 – Shakespeare Before the Stage
Overall
Hamnet is a historical drama based on a fictional 2020 book of the same name by Maggie O’Farrell about a loss in William Shakespeare’s life. The event and the resulting grief from Shakespeare and his wife inspired him to write Hamlet, a name inspired by his 11-year-old son Hamnet. The film might lead some to think of Hamlet as one of Shakespeare’s first plays, but he actually wrote it years later after he had attained fame. Grief and trauma shape one’s world, but the trouble lies in conveying it through language and arts. Many works push drama into sensationalism territory, which can become cringe-worthy fast. Others may struggle to get the emotions across, and the sentiments become dulled. Director Chloe Zhao and the filmmakers did a wonderful job finding the middle ground that subtly conveys the emotions. The emotional insight and delicate brushstrokes contribute to a poetic representation worthy of applause. This received 8 Oscar nominations, including Best Casting, Best Original Score, Best Picture, Best Directing, Best Actress in a Lead Role (Jessie Buckley) and Best Adapted Screenplay. I hope it wins Best Actress, Screenplay, Costume Design, and Casting. It deserves serious consideration for direction, too.
Would I recommend this?
Yes, I recommend this. While far from perfect, plenty of elements exist to appreciate. It obviously won’t resonate the same with everyone; some may sob, others will just observe. Regardless, it should resonate at least enough to be moved by it. I didn’t cry, but I perceived the pain it articulated and explored. Be aware that the narrative intentionally unfolds at a slow pace, which not everyone enjoys. The action is minimal, with an emphasis on thoughtful subtlety. Also, keep in mind that while inspired by true events, this is fiction. My rating is 8/10.
Plot (spoiler-free)
William Shakespeare (Paul Mescal), a poor tutor, fell for Agnes Hathaway (Jessie Buckley). Rumors and gossip around town said that Agnes was a witch’s daughter, but William refused to let her go. Soon after, the two began their own family, which included a daughter and twins. Agnes urged William to move to London to pursue a theatrical career. The bubonic plague was passing through late 16th-century England. A devastating loss leaves the marriage in turmoil and the couple in sorrow. They each process grief in their own unique ways.
Technicals
Hamnet is a transcendent film on love, loss, and grief that reaches beyond Shakespeare. My favorite aspects include the acting, cinematography, 16th-century atmosphere, direction, script, and the music. While I’m unfamiliar with the cast, their performances stand out the most of all elements. The sensational talent comes across as honest, raw, and convincing, including the child actors. Jessie Buckley deserves an Oscar for her work in the lead role of Agnes Shakespeare, which blew me away. William wasn’t involved in half the movie, leaving Agnes to handle raising the kids and chores. Concerning the issues, the character development is on the shallow side. I wished to learn more about Shakespeare and his growth in London. For much of the movie, the story relegates him to the background. They didn’t include enough insight into the kids or Agnes herself. The playtime is short enough for them to add extra scenes. Second, the pacing lost me a few times. I don’t believe editing was the prime reason, but it’s possible to condense several sequences that contribute little. Subtlety sometimes makes the pacing suffer, which may be true here. The emotion-heavy subject doesn’t help either, which is difficult to speed up too much. Third, a few moments appeared excessive, bordering on sensationalism. The story’s lack of plot complexity allows for a greater emotional focus, a double-edged sword. Even slight meandering feels excessive when there’s little else for the viewer to focus on.
*Obtained trivia facts from IMDb’s trivia page and plot/basic history/name information from Wiki
