Hamnet is the latest feature from Oscar-winning director Chloé Zhao, adapted from Maggie O’Farrell’s New York Times bestselling novel. With Steven Spielberg serving as producer, the film arrives with the unmistakable sheen of cinematic prestige—and it doesn’t disappoint. The story centres on William Shakespeare (Paul Mescal), and his wife Agnes (Jessie Buckley). After the birth of their son Hamnet, the family is struck by a devastating loss, a tragedy that ultimately shapes Shakespeare’s creation of one of his most enduring works, Hamlet.
When I attended the screening of the film at the London Film Festival in the Royal Festival Hall, the experience was truly special, almost magical, without sounding cliché. The venue seats 2,700, and the atmosphere was electric, as if the entire audience was captivated by what they were watching. Throughout the film, people were quietly moved, with multiple audience members wiping away tears and the occasional sniffle breaking the silence.
The story itself was profoundly moving. As someone who has long admired Shakespeare and his film adaptations, I’ve seen many interpretations—but nothing quite as breath-taking as this. The film presents 1596 England in lush, vibrant greens, rendering it gorgeous yet occasionally haunting. The cinematography captures the emotional turbulence of the characters, particularly Agnes, with an air of mystery that heightens the drama. At the same time, it seamlessly translates the aesthetic of Shakespeare’s stage plays to the cinematic medium, creating a visual experience that is both faithful and entirely its own.
The set design and overall mise-en-scène are typically strong in period pieces, and this film is no exception. Chloe Zhao and her team have created a world that fully immerses the viewer in the era, using colour, costumes, and lighting to reflect the emotional tone of the story with precision. For instance, Agnes’s wardrobe shifts from warm reds and oranges during moments of happiness to darker, muted tones as she faces emotional turmoil. This subtle yet clever use of visual storytelling allows the audience to connect deeply with the characters and feel the emotional weight of each scene.
The performances are the true highlight of the film. Frankly, even if the rest of the movie faltered, the acting alone would make it worth watching. Paul Mescal is exceptional as William Shakespeare, portraying him in a way I don’t think we’ve ever seen on screen before. The child actors are extraordinary, particularly Jacobi Jupe as Hamnet, who delivers a performance of remarkable depth for a 12-year-old, suggesting a very bright career ahead. His older brother, Noah Jupe, also appears in the film, playing Hamlet in the on-screen play with impressive skill and an evident command of Shakespeare, no surprise, as he’s set to star as Romeo opposite Sadie Sink’s Juliet on the West End next year.
Yet the standout performance belongs to Jessie Buckley. She is a master of her craft, delivering a profoundly moving portrayal of a woman navigating the pressures of being an outcast in her town, while also grappling with the intense emotions of motherhood and marriage. Watching her on screen is nothing short of extraordinary, and she is, in my view—and many others’, the frontrunner for Best Actress at this year’s Academy Awards.
Overall, this film is, quite simply, a masterpiece- a term I don’t use lightly. It was one of the standout experiences for me at the London Film Festival, radiating an aura that feels destined to make it a cinematic classic. Beautifully crafted and deeply affecting, it’s the kind of film that will be cherished for years to come. I genuinely cannot find a single flaw.
Hamnet is released in UK cinemas January 9th 2026
Megan Hilborne (Instagram: meghillbilly) is a freelance writer and film critic based in Portsmouth. She graduated with a degree in Film in 2020 and has continued her study of the medium in her day-to-day life. She takes particular interest in indie, horror, feminist and queer cinema.
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