Archive · 15 Jan 2026
Hamnet Film Review: A Slick Weepie?
Hamnet is a new movie based on a book by Maggie O’Farrell.
It’s about William Shakespeare and his wife Agnes, and their son Hamnet who dies from the plague.
The movie thinks that this sad event made Shakespeare write his famous play 'Hamlet'.
The movie stars Jessie Buckley and Paul Mescal, who are both really good actors.
Some people think the movie is very moving and beautiful, while others think it might be a bit too sad or too much like a typical awards-season movie.
It’s out now, and people are talking about it a lot!
Hamnet is a drama film based on Maggie O’Farrell’s bestseller, directed by Oscar-winning Chloé Zhao.
The film stars Jessie Buckley and Paul Mescal as Agnes and William Shakespeare, exploring the impact of their son Hamnet’s death.
The central theme is that Hamnet’s death inspired Shakespeare to write 'Hamlet'.
Critics praise the film’s performances and visual richness, though some find it emotionally manipulative.
The film’s release coincides with Oscar season, with high expectations for awards.
- Who
- The film stars Jessie Buckley and Paul Mescal, with a story centered around William Shakespeare and his wife Agnes.
- What
- Hamnet is a drama about the death of Shakespeare's son Hamnet and its influence on his writing of 'Hamlet'.
- When
- The film is released in time for Oscar consideration.
- Where
- The story is set in Elizabethan England.
- Why
- The film explores the emotional impact of Hamnet's death on Shakespeare and his family.
- Film Title
- Hamnet
- Based On
- Maggie O’Farrell’s bestseller
- Director
- Chloé Zhao
- Lead Actors
- Jessie Buckley, Paul Mescal
- Central Theme
- Shakespeare's inspiration for 'Hamlet'
- Release Context
- Oscar season