Audiences entering the theater to watch Hamnet may not know exactly what to expect. Given the acclaimed talents of Paul Mescal and Jessie Buckley anchoring the cast, as well as the film’s deep connection to Shakespearean legacy, anticipation runs high. Yet the emotional depth and profound humanity that unfold on screen surpass even the loftiest expectations. Directed by Chloé Zhao and adapted from Maggie O’Farrell’s celebrated novel, Hamnet is a breathtaking meditation on love, grief, and the transformative power of creativity.

At its heart, the film recounts the story of Agnes Hathaway (Jessie Buckley) and her husband, William Shakespeare (Paul Mescal), as they navigate the joys and tragedies of family life in 16th-century England. The narrative revolves around the devastating loss of their son, Hamnet, whose death becomes the emotional wellspring for Shakespeare’s iconic play, Hamlet.

Buckley delivers a phenomenal performance. Her portrayal of a woman attuned to the natural world and fiercely devoted to her family is layered and deeply moving. Buckley captures every nuance of Agnes’s experience, from the quiet joys of motherhood to the crushing weight of grief. Her raw, unfiltered reaction to Hamnet’s death is a moment of cinematic brilliance — so visceral and authentic, it’s breathtaking, the kind of performance that not only earns accolades but also redefines a career.

Mescal brings a performance that is understated and profoundly affecting. Renowned for his subtlety in conveying complex emotions, he introduces a simmering intensity to his role. He portrays Shakespeare as a man caught between the demands of his family and the lure of artistic creation, deftly capturing this tension with nuance. Mescal’s depiction of a father channeling grief into art is inspiring and heartbreaking.

The supporting cast adds further depth. Emily Watson, as Mary Shakespeare, and Joe Alwyn, as Bartholomew Hathaway, give remarkable performances, while Jacobi Jupe and Olivia Lynes, portraying Hamnet and Judith, respectively, offer some of the most genuine child performances in recent cinema. The siblings’ bond feels so authentic, their scenes together will move even the most stoic audience member.