‘Hamnet’ trailer
The trailer for Focus Features’ ‘Hamnet’ starring Jessie Buckley and Paul Mescal. Directed by Chloé Zhao.
Some of the best movies are the ones that catch you off guard, that you don’t expect to like, or that resonate with you after the credits roll. “Hamnet” is one of them.
Based on Maggie O’Farrell’s 2020 novel of the same name, ‘Hamnet’ tells a fictionalized account of the death of William Shakespeare’s only son, Hamnet, told from the perspective of his wife Anne Hathaway – called Agnes in the film.
Jessie Buckley stars as Agnes, a rebellious farm girl who sparks a romance with Will (Paul Mescal), an aspiring playwright and poet. An unplanned pregnancy causes them to tie the knot and have three children: Susanna, followed by the twins Hamnet and Judith.
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Jessie Buckley stars as Agnes and Paul Mescal as William Shakespeare in director Chloé Zhao’s ‘Hamnet,’ a Focus Features release. (Agata Grzybowska / © 2025 Focus Features LLC)
While Agnes raises the children in the countryside, Will travels back and forth from London hoping to boost his career, while Agnes raises the children in the countryside. Unfortunately, it is while he is away that tragedy strikes the Shakespeare household, as the plague claims the life of 11-year-old Hamnet (Jacobi Jupe). Will’s absence during the family crisis puts strain on his fragile marriage.
Buckley is not yet a big name, although her immense talent justifies this. A darling of indie films, she delivers one standout performance after another (“Wild Rose,” “I’m Thinking of Ending Things,” “The Lost Daughter” and “Women Talking,” to name a few). Her transformative portrayal of Agnes could make her an Oscar contender, taking audiences on an emotional rollercoaster from pure bliss to total terror.
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Jessie Buckley stars as Agnes and Joe Alwyn as Bartholomew in director Chloé Zhao’s ‘Hamnet,’ a Focus Features release.
A rising star in his own right – best known for last year’s “Gladiator II” – Mescal continues to earn his place in the company of the leading men of our generation playing the famous writer, coping with the loss of his son by putting together a tragedy called “Hamlet.”
While strong performances are expected from Buckley and Mescal, it is twelve-year-old Jacobi Jupe who really impresses as the emotionally intelligent Hamnet, showing both innocence and heartbreak not often seen in child actors. Expect him to have a long career ahead of him.
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Jacobi Jupe stars as Hamnet in director Chloé Zhao’s ‘Hamnet’, a Focus Features release.
If “Hamnet” is an orchestra, then Chloé Zhao is its conductor, subtly preserving a beautiful melody among the great performances, her piercing screenplay 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 have signed on as producers.
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Jessie Buckley stars as Agnes and Joe Alwyn as Bartholomew in director Chloé Zhao’s ‘Hamnet,’ a Focus Features release. (Agata Grzybowska / © 2025 Focus Features LLC)
The verdict:
“Hamnet” is an incredibly moving period drama with tender storytelling, cinematic artistry and spectacular performances. It’s films like these that should make us grateful that we have the ability to feel like human beings, even if it’s pain. That’s why we go to the movies.
★★★★ — WATCH IT NOW
“Hamnet” is rated PG-13 for thematic content, some strong sexuality and partial nudity. Playing time: 2 hours and 5 minutes. Now in cinemas.
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