Hamnet review: Metamorphosis in the life of Shakespeare, with Paul Mescal, Jessie Buckley

With the sun set on summer’s blockbusters, fall looks to winter, and cinema looks to award season. Hollywood’s bulk of dramas, thrillers, and biopics now stir the pot, and we have what is shaping up to be the cream of the crop. Academy Award® winning writer/director Chloé Zhao, (Nomadland), fires with Hamnet, a gripping epic of passion, loss, and strength. Adapted from Maggie O’Farrell’s novel of the same name, it illustrates the tale which gave birth to William Shakespeare’s monumental work Hamlet. Essentially, it’s the author and playwright’s creative origin story.

Thematic audio and visuals match captivating performances

The task of depicting Shakespeare is gracefully met by Paul Mescal, (Aftersun). Agnes, his wife, is portrayed with power by Jessie Buckley, (The Lost Daughter). Their rebellious infatuation grows to a wedded union and three children. The only son, Hamnet, sees actor Jacobi Jupe shine beyond his years. Within the film’s progression, transformations take place, but not all are good. The trailer was a bit deceiving, appearing just an enduring romance ballad. Things get heavy, some moments like watching the portrait of a family destined for tragedy.

Zhao was particular with the lens through which she shot the physical environment. Its’ capture accentuates the rich landscape. The nature comes alive, a character itself. The visual depth doesn’t leap out at you. It gently takes you in. Amidst vivid greenery, the warm presence renders the imagery and symbolism unmistakable. Raindrops dance, leaves speak, the forest listens. You catch the scent from Agnes’ garden. She’s said to be the daughter of a witch, so you know things are gonna’ get mystical and mysterious.

Branded an outsider for her unconventional ways, aside from her brother, Agnes looks at the village from the outside in. Will is seen as useless in his stern father’s eyes, a weak link in the family chain. Misunderstood, they share in their state of ingratitude while convictions feed their connection. As he heads to London with visons of succeeding in theatre, her unshakable faith and spiritual harmony cradle their family back home. But life’s turns pose to test them all. 

Detailed production dodges average cinema’s pitfalls

The aspiring writer’s enchanted devotion for his beloved sparks something inside of him. Unlike his future protagonist Romeo, blinded by the glare of love, for young Shakespeare love illuminates fresh purpose and drive. His former acquiescence to his father’s abusive behavior is melted by an aggressive fervor, asserting respect while vanquishing the maltreatment.

The sound and score are a tailored suit to the frame of Hamnet, subtly magnifying the superb acting and precise production. Unsettling at times, it amplifies emotions as tension swells. Composer Max Richter and sound designer Johnnie Burn deserve praise their way. Burn’s Oscar for 2023’s A Zone of Interest was too recognized for its unsettling vibe. Their nuanced approach sculpts dimension for the eerie tones. Zhao casts heavy emphasis on editing, referring to it as “the heartbeat of a film”. A motion picture pacemaker, along with editor Affonso Gonçalves, their meticulousness cultivated a precise tempo. 

A significant, but underappreciated, attribute of a good film is not treating the audience like they’re stupid. Spelling it all out fosters lazy viewing, conditioning theatregoers to surrender their acumen. Hamnet’s writing, editing, and camerawork dodge this pitfall. It’s like the producers went down a list off all components, ensuring each impeccably executed. Naked of timely techniques from the in-vogue industry formula, Hamnet bears qualities award ceremonies appreciate, and a high-caliber experience for viewers.