The private life of William Shakespeare remains one of history's great mysteries, with even less known about his wife, Anne Hathaway. The new film Hamnet, a brilliant adaptation of Maggie O'Farrell's acclaimed novel, asks audiences to both remember that historical obscurity and forget it, surrendering instead to a work of beguiling fiction. Directed by Oscar-winning filmmaker Chloe Zhao, the movie weaves an enchanting spell, achieving emotional transcendence through sheer storytelling beauty. It arrives with significant acclaim, having secured six nominations at the Golden Globes.
A Captivating Portrayal of Young Love
The film introduces a young William Shakespeare, portrayed by Paul Mescal, as a reluctant Latin tutor working to repay a debt for his domineering father. His life is irrevocably changed when he meets the captivating Anne, referred to here as Agnes—the name from her father's will. Jessie Buckley delivers a powerful, Critics' Choice award-winning performance as Agnes, a character depicted as almost feral, a 'daughter of a forest witch' who prefers flying her hawk and lying in tree roots to farm chores. Their passionate love story begins fittingly in an apple store, setting the tone for a relationship rooted in nature and raw emotion.
An Exploration of Profound Loss
At its heart, Hamnet is a profound exploration of love and grief. The narrative follows Will and Agnes as they build a family, with Agnes delivering their first daughter in the greenwood. The later arrival of twins, Hamnet and Judith, marks a shift, as she is forced to give birth at home, breaking an 'old magic'. The film subtly foreshadows the tragedy to come, weaving in elements from Shakespeare's own plays. Woodland scenes evoke A Midsummer Night's Dream, while the twins' cross-dressing echoes Twelfth Night. In a poignant garden scene, the children act out the witches' scene from Macbeth, a playful moment laced with ominous portent.
Exquisite Casting and Heartbreaking Climax
The casting is exquisite throughout. While Buckley is magnificent and Mescal provides cleverly judged support, the entire ensemble shines. Joe Alwyn is splendid as Agnes's supportive brother, Bartholomew. Young Jacobi Jupe makes Hamnet an immensely loveable and intelligent boy. The film's emotional climax is masterfully handled, featuring a performance of Hamlet at the Globe Theatre. Here, Noah Jupe, Jacobi's real-life older brother, plays the title role, creating a meta-theatrical moment of devastating poignancy that is sure to break viewers' hearts. The advice to take tissues is not given lightly.
This is a film that operates on multiple levels: as a historical 'what-if', a timeless love story, and a raw portrayal of parental loss. Chloe Zhao has translated Maggie O'Farrell's novel into a cinematic experience of rare beauty and power, proving its six Golden Globe nominations are thoroughly deserved.
