Review of Maggie O’Farrell’s Hamnet

Maggie O’Farrell’s acclaimed 2020 novel Hamnet offers a rich and poetic exploration of William Shakespeare’s family life, filled with deep reflections and vivid imagery. Adapting such a nuanced work into film appears challenging, yet filmmaker Chloé Zhao has taken on the task. The result is a stately, sometimes somber drama, with an emotional conclusion that resonates deeply.

A Compelling Match

Zhao’s sensibilities align well with the material, as she is also a keen observer of nature and human emotions. However, this film represents a departure from her previous works, which were less polished and grand. The simpler styles of her films like The Rider and Nomadland are somewhat missed in Hamnet, which can feel overly constructed for awards season.

Heartfelt Exploration of Grief

Nevertheless, Zhao’s trademark empathy and curiosity shine through, vital traits for a film that could easily veer into sentimentality. Historically, Hamnet was Shakespeare’s son who passed away young, believed to have influenced the title and themes of Hamlet. O’Farrell and Zhao suggest that creating the play was Shakespeare’s way to process his grief and pay tribute to his lost son.

Cinematic Interpretation of Literature

This interpretation, while somewhat speculative, is convincing. Some scenes, like a heart-wrenching moment where Shakespeare mourns by the Thames, may feel exaggerated, yet Zhao effectively conveys the emotional weight of loss by film’s end. Ultimately, it poses a poignant question: does the exact truth matter when the emotional impact is so profound?

Character Development and Performances

Hamnet reconstructs various moments from Shakespeare’s life, including his courtship of Agnes Hathaway. This portrayal features William (played by Paul Mescal) as a captivated young tutor drawn to Agnes (Jessie Buckley), whose intriguing character dominates their early relationship. While Zhao focuses extensively on these formative years, some might argue more attention is needed for Hamnet (Jacobi Jupe) and his twin, Judith (Olivia Lynes).

Outstanding Acting

What Zhao might lack in narrative pacing is compensated by the compelling performances of the leads. Mescal showcases a wider emotional palette here than in previous films, while Buckley’s remarkable portrayal of heartbreak elevates the film significantly. Her performance carries the weight of the climax, transforming it into a universal expression of grief.

A Powerful Conclusion

The final minutes of Hamnet are especially striking, emphasizing the film’s true purpose—a reflection on the transformative power of art. As melancholy music accompanies a deeply personal moment, the film transcends its earlier earnestness, revealing the universality of human emotions. Despite some narrative flaws, the emotional climax offers catharsis that resonates profoundly, making audience members feel a shared sense of loss and connection.

Hamnet is currently screening at the Toronto Film Festival, with a US release on November 27, a UK release on January 9, and an Australian release on January 15.