Review: Hamnet is Chloe Zhao’s Perfect Comeback Film

Hamnet came out in the UK last week, and since I work in the Bard’s hometown, the cinema where I work—The Everyman Cinema in Stratford-upon-Avon—became the busiest cinema in the entire country for the film.

Based on the novel by Maggie O’Farrell, Hamnet follows a dramatized version of William Shakespeare and his wife Agnes Hathaway (more commonly known as Anne Hathaway) as they cope with the death of their 11-year-old son, Hamnet. The film is directed by Oscar-winning filmmaker Chloe Zhao (Eternals, Nomadland) and stars Jessie Buckley and Paul Mescal as Agnes and William, alongside Emily Watson, Joe Alwyn, and Noah Jupe in supporting roles.

I honestly thought it was a beautifully made piece of filmmaking and the perfect project for Zhao to return with. Her style is fantastic—the film feels raw and gritty while still maintaining stunning production design and gorgeous cinematography. The costumes help ground the story in its period, making it feel more authentic, and Max Richter’s score sets the right tone, balancing melancholy and intimacy perfectly.

On a personal note, it annoyed me a little that it wasn’t filmed in Stratford-upon-Avon, but rather in Gloucestershire. I understand that logistical challenges and Stratford’s tourism would have made that difficult, but filming in the Bard’s hometown would have added an extra layer of authenticity.

The pacing is excellent, and the film explores aspects of Shakespeare’s and Hathaway’s lives I didn’t previously know about. I took the story with a pinch of salt, as it leans more on the novel than historical fact—but I appreciate that it focuses on Agnes rather than William. It’s refreshing to see her perspective highlighted, as she’s barely utilized in other stories about Shakespeare.

Jessie Buckley is undoubtedly the star of the show, bringing Agnes to life in a way I couldn’t imagine anyone else doing. Her performance is nuanced rather than loud, and it’s exactly what the film needs. Paul Mescal is fantastic as Shakespeare, giving what is now my favorite portrayal of the Bard.

The supporting cast is solid—Emily Watson and Joe Alwyn deliver fine work—but the only one who matches the level of Buckley and Mescal is Noah Jupe, who plays an actor performing Hamlet on stage. Jupe only appears towards the end, but his performance resonates on multiple levels and leaves a lasting impression.

Hamnet feels like a return to form for Chloe Zhao, returning to intimate, human stories. Her filmmaking is on a level that reminds us why she’s one of the most phenomenal directors of our time. This may very well be her best work yet.

I give Hamnet a rating of 5 out of 5 and 10 out of 10.

What did you think?

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