Hamnet Movie Review (2025)
A breathtakingly emotional film about a young man, his eccentric wife, and the journey to create Hamlet, Hamnet will both enrapture you and bring you to tears.
I have always been a bit of a sucker for Shakespearean history. I find it fascinating that there is speculation that he may not have written all of his plays, wish that we knew more about his wife and personal life, and am always up for a piece about that time period. A side note – if you have not seen Something Rotten on stage, I highly recommend it. It is hilarious. But this piece felt different right from the first images, and it absolutely is.
Hamnet is about Agnes, a young woman living with her older brother, step-mother, and half siblings. Rumor has it that mother was a witch, and can both tell the future and communicate with energies that others don’t see. Young William, happening upon her in a meadow where she is interacting with a falcon on her glove, follows her and the two become enamored with each other, eventually marrying. They begin a life together, with children, and nurture an openness and connection with nature.
This movie wrecked me. I will not do you the disservice of giving you all of the details, so I greatly encourage you to watch this for yourself, but I am still overcoming the emotions in my stomach. I teared up once, later I cried, then I sobbed, then I cried some more. And when it was over, I had to just sit with myself. What a beautiful piece of art.
Jessie Buckley is spectacular as Agnes, a fiercely protective mother and insightful wife. I would argue that she is one of the most talented actresses of our time, and if you are unsure or are unfamiliar with her work, just watch this film. Her ability to express subtleties on her face with minute facial movements is unmatched. The depth behind her eyes and in her body, not to mention the tones and words coming from her mouth, are at another level. I think it’s fair to say that I’m a little in love with her on screen.
Paul Mescal is the perfect match for Buckley, as he is her equal in many ways. There is an intensity and sensitivity within him, both in his tender and fiercer moments, and with the two of them together, the film is mesmerizing.
The supporting cast is also excellent, but one other standout is Jacobi Jupe, as Hamnet, the couple’s only son. This young man has been in a handful of projects, but with the vulnerability and presence that he exhibits in this film, he is one to watch.
The cinematography and filming choices are phenomenal, with much of it feeling like a play on a grand scale. Shots are intimate and long, with full scenes taking place while the camera stays in one spot. The pictures created on the screen are attention grabbing and subtle, with a character standing in the middle of what feels like an empty stage, but it is actually an attic or a field.
The film begins with Agnes, clad in red – her signature color, which I take to mean life, magic, and inspiration for her husband and children. It is the only bright color in the entire film, and you see it only on Agnes or towards the end twice, in relation to a play. Every other color, during day and night scenes, is muted.
When you first meet Agnes, she is sleeping in what appears to be a natural cradle made from a divot in the earth surrounded by greenery, vines, and roots. It is gorgeous, and a lovely introduction into what you will be seeing for the rest of the film. I was taken instantly with that image, and truly, all of the sets and minutea thereafter are rich with the time period.
Hamnet is a striking film that builds slowly until you find yourself in an emotional place that you never quite saw coming. Based on a book of the same name, this movie is a must-see.
Runtime: 125 minutes
Motion Picture Rating: PG-13
Languages Spoken In The Film: English
Should You Watch It? Yes
Did I Cry? I cried, I sobbed, and then I cried some more
My Rating: 5/5 Stars
Available: Currently in theaters
