Carl Roberts 
“Hamnet is the film of the year. Featuring what should be an Oscar-nominated performance from Jessie Buckley, this is superior entertainment.”
Hold everything. Stop competing. You’ve already lost. The Film of the Year is here, one that will sweep the Oscars next year. Hamnet is one of the best and finest films ever made. This superb drama, co-written, co-edited, and directed by ChloĆ© Zhao, is based on Maggie O’Farrell’s 2020 novel of the same name. Starring Jessie Buckley and Paul Mescal as Agnes and William Shakespeare, the film is a rare treat. It is shattering, heartbreaking, brilliantly acted, and presented. Usually, after explaining the premise, I would offer my thoughts on the film before discussing the acting. Not here. Instead, I will be offering my thoughts on the two main leads. Both HAVE to be destined for Oscar wins. Jessie Buckley in particular.
PREMISE
The film follows the relationship between William Shakespeare and his wife Agnes, and the impact of the tragic death of their 11-year-old son Hamnet on their lives.
“From Academy Award-winning writer/director ChloĆ© Zhao, Hamnet tells the powerful story of love and loss that inspired the creation of Shakespeare’s timeless masterpiece, Hamlet.” – Focus Features.
JESSIE BUCKLEY
Words can not convey the gravity of Jessie Buckley’s performance here. It is one of the finest, most emotional, gut-wrenching, and superior acting masterclasses ever committed to film. It is superb; haunting, emotional, compelling and sheer perfection. The actress takes the lead in the movie and never lets it go. As Agnes Shakespeare, Jessie Buckley has us in the palm of her hand throughout. Even in the more fun scenes, the more playful sequences that permeate the opening of the film, she oozes charisma, confidence, and the gait of an accomplished storyteller. When it comes to the emotional scenes, of which there are many, she delivers a masterclass of acting.
By the time we reach the emotionally draining, haunting and beautiful final sequence depicting the first performance of Hamlet, we cannot tear our eyes from the screen. When we watch this extraordinary sequence, which closes the film, we need to reach for the tissues. Jessie Buckley delivers the perfect payoff to her character. From anger, frustration, understanding, before finally giving in to the emotion her character allows to show, we are on the journey with her. The impact that this incredible performance has on us hits us like a sledgehammer. The mystery Agnes has is finally dispelled, allowing us to empathise with her. When she cries, we cry. Jessie Buckley gives the best performance from a leading actress this year, one that cannot be beaten.
PAUL MESCAL
Paul Mescal, as William Shakespeare, also gives an award-worthy performance. While playing second fiddle to Jessie Buckley, Mescal comes across as sometimes uncaring, determined, self-centred and emotionally distant. Again, by the time we reach the finale, Mescal manages to reduce us to tears, too. From what we thought of him during parts of the film, we finally see the torment, heartbreak, and emotion he has been suffering after the death of his son. We all deal with grief in different ways; Mescal’s William Shakespeare deals with it by throwing himself into his work, finally emerging with what possibly is his masterwork. Trust me, after seeing the film, you’ll never be able to look at the play or any subsequent film, whether past, present or future, in the same way again.
Paul Mescal plays Shakespeare like a mischievous, playful, dutiful man, one who is in awe and amazement at Agnes. Finally managing to steal a kiss from her, he is besotted. While his work takes him away from the family for long periods, he always returns to his wife and family, the dutiful husband and father. When the emotion he holds inside him after Hamnet’s death sees him leave once again for London, we fear he is running away from his family, leaving them to deal with the tragedy by themselves. Of course, he is using his grief, his devastation, to create something worthy of honouring his late son. Mescal is perfect here, breathing life into Shakespeare in a way that will astound the audience.
WRITING AND DIRECTION
The screenplay by ChloĆ© Zhao and Maggie O’Farrell is also sheer perfection. This adaptation of O’Farrell’s novel is incredible. The screenplay doesn’t shy away from the failings of William Shakespeare, the emotional weight that permeates the film throughout, the tragic and devastating events that litter the middle of the film, and the relationships each character has. The pair have delivered something that will stand the test of time, an emotional script that hasn’t wasted a single word or a single page. It is an infrequent event that we never saw coming.
ChloĆ© Zhao’s direction puts her firmly in line to win her second Best Director Oscar. Every shot is superbly exquisite, every direction she has her cast perform is done with the eye and skill of a master auteur. The grimness of 16th-century England is richly portrayed here, making us in no doubt about the conditions those who lived in those times endured. For every stunning home, every stunning and sunny vista, there is the polar opposite just around the corner. ChloĆ© Zhao captures it all masterfully. Her keen eye keeps everyone and everything the focus throughout. It is a fantastic achievement.
VERDICT
Hamnet is the film of the year. Featuring what should be an Oscar-nominated performance from Jessie Buckley, this is superior entertainment. Words cannot convey what lies in store for the audience who will go and see it. It is a heartbreaking, deeply emotional, tragic, and brilliant piece of filmmaking. Delivering a devastating final sequence and scene, there shouldn’t be a dry eye in the house. It is a shattering experience at times, yet it ends on a note of hopefulness. I never cry at movies. I did here. Due to some deep personal emotion which I will not go into here, it floored me in a way I haven’t been floored by before. It hit me hard while also having me appreciate the chance to experience it with an audience, many of whom were also floored by the film.
A CINEMATIC TRIUMPH
With an exquisite, moving, and beautiful score from Max Richter, excellent cinematography from Åukasz Å»al, and editing from ChloĆ© Zhao and Affonso GonƧalves, this is something cinema was made to display. With the surprise revelation that Steven Spielberg and Sam Mendes rank alongside the producers, the package becomes something special. Please make no mistake, you’re in for a highly emotional journey with Hamnet, but it needs to be taken; it deserves to be taken. Make sure you pack tissues when you see the film, you’re going to need them. It is one of the most emotionally shattering films we’ve seen in years. It is also one of the finest films ever made. And one that deserves to sweep the Oscars at next year’s awards. A cinematic triumph, and a bona fide classic.
Hamnet opens in a limited theatrical release in the United States on November 26th. It will then open wide in the United States on December 12th, and in the United Kingdom on January 9th, 2026.
Introducing Carl! As the News Editor at Future of the Force, Carl has been an invaluable member of our team since early 2016. His expertise and dedication have made him an integral part of our editorial staff. Beyond his professional role, Carl is a fervent supporter of Liverpool F.C. and an avid follower of pop culture. He has a deep passion for Halloween, Friday the 13th, and the iconic movie franchises Star Wars and Star Trek.
He can be found either at his neighborhood cinema, enjoying the latest releases on the big screen, or at home streaming the newest blockbuster movies.
