HAMNET (2025) – Visually Stunning Award Winner with Emotional Depth but Historical Ambiguity

Awards season always brings a parade of celebrated films, each vying for recognition and critical acclaim. Among them, Hamnet has emerged as a heavy hitter, collecting not only a slew of nominations but also major wins, including two Golden Globes for Best Motion Picture Drama and Best Actress in a Motion Picture Drama. Jessie Buckley’s captivating performance has also earned her the BAFTA for Best Actress, while the film itself took home Outstanding British Film of the Year. Adapted from the 2020 novel, Hamnet explores the imagined relationship between William Shakespeare (played by Paul Mescal) and his wife Agnes (played by Jessie Buckley) in the 1590s, focusing heartbreakingly on the loss of their only son, Hamnet, at age ten—a tragedy that the film suggests inspired Shakespeare’s legendary play, Hamlet.

Personally, I often approach historical fiction with skepticism, especially when it weaves speculative narratives around real-life figures. The blurred lines between fact and fiction can leave viewers unsure of what to believe, and too often, the invented moments drive the story’s emotional beats. In Hamnet, this approach is on full display. The film’s emotional core revolves around the early death of Hamnet, using this deeply personal grief as its centerpiece. While the pain of losing a child is universally affecting, Hamnet lingers on this anguish to the point that it sometimes feels manipulative—almost veering into what might be called “grief porn.” Jessie Buckley’s portrayal of Agnes is undeniably powerful and authentic, yet her extended breakdown scenes, though expertly acted, occasionally overstay their welcome and verge on discomfort.

Director Chloe Zhao, who previously won the Academy Award for Best Director with Nomadland in 2020 (a film that, admittedly, did not resonate with me), brings her signature naturalistic and slow-burning style to Hamnet. Sparse dialogue and a languid pace dominate, which may not appeal to everyone. I found myself struggling to fully engage with the film’s rhythm and was unconvinced by its attempt to draw a direct line between Hamnet’s death and the creation of Hamlet. The connection, while thematically rich, at times felt tenuous and forced.

Yet, there is no denying that Hamnet is a visually stunning and superbly acted film. The tragic narrative unfolds against a backdrop of lush cinematography and period detail, although its reliance on Shakespeare’s legacy sometimes feels more like a narrative crutch than a necessity. One can’t help but wonder if the story might have been even more compelling set against a purely fictional backdrop, freed from the constraints and expectations of historical biography.

Ironically, it is in the film’s final act—when the focus shifts to highlights from Hamlet performed within the atmospheric confines of a wooden Globe-like theater—that Hamnet truly finds its footing. Here, art and emotion blend seamlessly, creating the most engaging and memorable scenes of the entire film. In these moments, the film’s ambition to tie personal loss to artistic legacy finally lands with genuine impact.