Hamnet
Fictional story of Shakespeare writing Hamlet after his son Hamnet dies
The brief
Chloé Zhao trades her dusty American highways for Elizabethan England, but keeps that same patient, naturalistic approach that made Nomadland sing. Jessie Buckley anchors this gorgeous grief study with a performance that's all quiet fury and maternal ache, while Paul Mescal brings surprising vulnerability to Shakespeare as a young father drowning in loss. The film moves like a slow river - meditative and sometimes frustrating, but building to moments that hit like lightning. Perfect for anyone who loved The Power of the Dog or wants their period dramas more about emotional landscapes than corsets and carriages.
The verdict
If you crave emotionally rich dramas that prioritize character study over plot momentum and have the patience for Chloé Zhao's contemplative pacing, this is essential viewing powered by Jessie Buckley's devastating performance. If you prefer faster-moving narratives or need constant story developments to stay engaged, you'll likely find this beautiful but glacially-paced grief meditation more frustrating than fulfilling.
Watch with
- 👫 Perfect for thoughtful solo viewing or with literary-minded partner
- ⚠️ May bore viewers seeking fast-paced entertainment
Heads up
- Child death (central to plot, emotional focus) (moderate)
- Intense grief and parental loss themes (frequent)
- Some period-appropriate violence (brief)
Credits
- Director
- Chloé Zhao
- Cast
- Jessie Buckley, Paul Mescal, Emily Watson, Joe Alwyn, Jacobi Jupe, Noah Jupe, Bodhi Rae Breathnach
Official synopsis
The powerful story of love and loss that inspired the creation of Shakespeare's timeless masterpiece, Hamlet.
The Double
Make a night of it
Pair this with Hamlet (2026)
Shakespeare's tragedy paired with the story that inspired its creation.
Total runtime: 2h 6m + 1h 53m = 3h 59m
