Set in 16th century England, Chloe Zhao creates a story that feels close and personal to many. movie hamnetBased on Maggie O’Farrell’s beautiful book, this is not your typical Shakespearean tale of his life. Instead, it focuses on the women and children who influenced Shakespeare’s writing. Jesse Buckley plays Agnes Shakespeare with wild grace, while Paul Mescal’s Will is a lost man, torn between dreams and family life. Director Chao returns to the gentle, realistic style of Nomadland, removing flashy scenes and expressing a quiet sadness, making the film feel more like a sad yet beautiful symphony.
At the heart of this film is Agnes’ strong spirit. Buckley’s performance is powerful and raw, her eyes filled with indescribable emotion. Her performance transforms her from a mere historical figure into a mythical symbol of love and loss. Mescal plays Will Shakespeare as a simple man, not a famous poet. He was a clumsy farm boy who was then reluctant to become a father. His small changes show his slow transformation. His restraint makes the pain feel real. There are no loud outbursts, only the quiet bleeding of a man trying to survive. Buckley and Mescal work together like a real couple, with passion but also conflict.
in hamnetthe sadness is not loud or sudden. It’s always foggy and makes everything else feel far away. Chao treats it like a creature that changes the family’s world. This real-life sentiment inspired by O’Farrell’s writing makes mourning universal. Zhao makes grief even more real by showing that it is not something that can be immediately released, but is a thorny thing that stays with us. The music in the movie is beautiful. Composed by Zao’s regular collaborator, strings and silence create an atmosphere that feels at once old and new. Music doesn’t convey emotions; it makes them deeper.
Director Chao’s direction is simple and sincere. The camera observes quietly. A long shot of Agnes walking through the fog, and a close-up shot of Will painting by firelight. The set design looks realistic without looking too old. Natural light floods the scene, making everything feel inevitable, as if even the sun is lamenting it. But there are also small happy moments, like children’s laughter or stolen kisses, that remind us that life goes on, even when we experience pain.
After leaving the theater, many people were moved and strangers cried quietly together. hamnet It’s not about tricks or cheap sentimentality, it’s about recognizing our own loss through this old family story. The acting, music, and sincere direction make this a special film that reminds us of the true purpose of cinema: to hold the broken and help heal. hamnet It stays with you as a powerful reminder of the enduring strength of love, of what remains even when everything else fades away. Look at it and let it change you.
First look screening
January 10th (Sat) + January 11th (Sun)
Luna Leederville, Windsor, SX Luna
Screenings begin January 15th at Luna Leederville, Luna on SX, and Windsor.
Screening at Luna Outdoor on January 19th (Event screening) Then January 20th to 21st.
- Email: neill@outloudculture.com
Source: OutLoud! Culture – outloudculture.com
