‘Hamnet’ Review: Jessie Buckley, Paul Mescal lead moving Shakespeare drama

Some of the best movies are the ones that catch you off guard, the ones you didn’t expect to like, or the ones that resonate with you after the credits roll. “Hamnet” is one of them.

Adapted from Maggie O’Farrell’s novel of the same name, published in 2020, “Hamnet” tells a fictionalized depiction of the death of William Shakespeare’s only son Hamnet, from the perspective of his wife Anne Hathaway, referred to as Agnes in the film.

Jessie Buckley plays Agnes, a rebellious farm girl who sparks a romance with Will (Paul Mescal), an aspiring playwright and poet. An unplanned pregnancy causes them to marry and have three children: Susanna and then twins Hamnet and Judith.

‘ZOOTOPIA 2’ REVIEW: DISNEY’S CRIME ANIMATION PROVIDES FUN FOR LITTLE CREATIVES

Agnes raises the children in the countryside while Will commutes to London in the hope of furthering his career. Unfortunately, Shakespeare’s family also faces tragedy as the plague claims the life of 11-year-old Hamnet (Jacobi Jupe). During a family crisis, Will’s absence puts a strain on his fragile marriage.

Buckley isn’t a big name yet; but his immense talent ensures this. She became the darling of independent films, delivering one outstanding performance after another (“Wild Rose,” “I’m Thinking of Ending Things,” “The Lost Daughter” and “Women Talking” to name just a few). Her transformative portrayal of Agnes could make her an Oscar contender, taking viewers on an emotional roller coaster ride from pure bliss to utter anguish.

‘BAD: FOR GOOD’ REVIEW: ARIANA GRANDE, CYNTHIA ERIVO WORK THEIR SPELL IN A DARKER FINAL ACT

Director Chloé Zhao’s Focus Features film “Hamnet” stars Jessie Buckley as Agnes and Joe Alwyn as Bartholomew.

Mescal, a rising star in his own right best known for last year’s “Gladiator II,” continues to rank among our generation’s leading men portraying the famed author coping with the loss of his son by putting together a tragedy called “Hamlet.”

While strong performances are expected from Buckley and Mescal, there is twelve-year-old Jacobi Jupe who is truly impressive as the emotionally intelligent Hamnet, displaying both innocence and heartbreak not often seen in child actors. We expect him to have a long career ahead of him.

‘JAY KELLY’ REVIEW: ADAM SANDLER FEATURES GEORGE CLONEY IN NETFLIX’S BRIGHT BUT HOLE SHOWBREAK DRAMA

Jacobi Jupe stars as Hamnet in director Chloé Zhao’s Focus Features film “Hamnet.”

If “Hamnet” is an orchestra, Chloé Zhao is the conductor; It carefully preserves the beautiful melody between the great performances, impressive script and Lukasz Zal’s rich cinematography.

Zhao, the writer/director of 2021 Best Picture winner “Nomadland,” outdoes himself here. It’s no surprise that Hollywood giants Steven Spielberg and Sam Mendes reached an agreement as producers.

‘JAY KELLY’ REVIEW: ADAM SANDLER FEATURES GEORGE CLONEY IN NETFLIX’S BRIGHT BUT HOLE SHOWBREAK DRAMA

Director Chloé Zhao’s Focus Features film “Hamnet” stars Jessie Buckley as Agnes and Joe Alwyn as Bartholomew. (Agata Grzybowska / © 2025 Focus Properties LLC)

Decision:

“Hamnet” is an incredibly moving period drama that showcases sensitive storytelling, cinematic artistry and superb performances. It’s movies like this that will make us grateful that we have the ability to feel human, even if it’s painful. That’s why we’re going to the cinema.

★★★★ — SEE NOW

“Hamnet” is rated PG-13 for thematic content, strong sexuality and partial nudity. Running time: 2 hours 5 minutes. In theaters now.

CLICK TO REACH THE FOX NEWS APPLICATION