This is a powerful, transformative movie about the world of Shakespeare. Political themes play out in a medieval era filled with dynamics of power, love, and loss all performed on a stage. This is Hamnet, a thought-provoking portrait of challenges and turmoil in situations that should be black and white. The conflict between good and evil leads to connections and brilliance on a stage. As one who loves theatricals, my mind was blown away by two things during this film. First, the chemistry between the main characters. Second, the effective portrayal of powerful emotions. Hamnet is well-written and demonstrates the humanistic value of sadness and grief.

The film’s love story takes place in the 16th century. The lovers names are Agnes and Will who are played by Jessie Buckley and Paul Mescal. In a time in which villages have restrictions, love is what matters in the eyes of the main characters. This film is a tale about the journey they are on as parents. It explores the moments they have with their living children as well as the ones they have lost. This portion of the film involves an emotional narrative and is spot-on with the way it utilizes the Shakespearean context to effectively fan the fire. My heart was pounding intensely as the various conflicts played themselves out. 

Agnes is the character telling the story so much of the focus tends to be on her. However, Will has many significant points as well during an era in which he is trying to create a play based on his life and what he has loved and lost. At the same time, he wants to bring his creation to fruition for audiences. The world is hoping for magic to happen on the stage in Hamnet. Many of the disagreements in the film end up being rewarding scenes. Will has been raised in a household where he is frowned upon, and Agnes has been raised without a mother. The hardship in Hamnet is shown through the power of love and sacrifice. Writer and director Chloe Zhao paints this picture quite thoroughly and extremely well.

As the persistence of family and love contain diverse challenges for Agnes and Will, the times they’re living in also present several additional issues. Will’s dynamics continue to impact him, and all he knows how to do is utilize his hardship in his craft as a playwright. The difficult losses Agnes and Will face add meaning to their story. In their life, they are meant to experience happy moments even when things go awry. At the same time, they can pick each other up. Their persistence dazzles in a mesmerizing pattern. Buckley and Mescal burn up the screen. Their performances tell a story that unfolds with many revelations. The film is like a play that has transitions that allow audiences to take a moment and step back. When those moments occur, the deep feelings of acceptance and love shine through. Four out of four stars for Hamnet.