Hamnet

UK Release Date: 09 January 2026

Director: Chloé Zhao

Cast: Joe Alwyn, Bodhi Rae Breathnach, Jessie Buckley, Jacobi Jupe, Noah Jupe, Olivia Lynes, Paul Mescal, Emily Watson

Runtime: 126 mins

Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐½

Review:

Wide, open landscapes that linger on-screen depicting the harmony between performances and camerawork. Łukasz Żal’s sublime cinematography working in collaboration with Chloe Zhao’s patient direction to craft a simply gorgeous film. The scenery is allowed to sink in, sorrow and despair hidden within the dense forests.  

A sentiment shared by Max Richter and his classically composed score. It seems vastly ambitious as both the score and story expand, almost as if there’s a new found sense of discovery after every cut to black. Plucks of the harp creating a distinct and differentiating sound compared to the familiar strums of the violin. An angelic sound as his score forgoes instrumentation for a lone, delicate voice brilliantly capturing the melancholy of the narrative. On the flip side, as Richter’s score focuses on empty space and darkening voids in relationships, it can be audibly foreboding. A beautiful symmetry present within his composition. 

Although despite the technical achievement of Hamnet, the film is primarily a showcase for the acting talent on display. Jessie Buckley is absolutely outstanding as Agnes, a whirlwind force whenever she’s on the screen. Her displays of devastation range from carefully subtle to agonisingly inflated. Surprisingly physical -  three tumultuous acts of childbirth, separately delivering an excruciating cry of desperation that haunts long after it's performed. Even the way Buckley smiles is infectious. It's a monumental performance that deserves every ounce of praise thrown its way. On rewatch, Paul Mescal's decision to initially portray Will as an introverted, awkward man only heightens his outbursts of pent up rage and frustration. Although, it is Jacobi Jupe's expressive work as the titular Hamnet that stands closest to Jessie Buckley. His dogged need to be brave for his family despite self-doubt over his affecting decision. 

Zhao and Żal extract as much emotion as possible from their cast with extreme close-ups, amplifying already astounding performances. Sensational production design, each set is painstakingly constructed. Practical attention to detail matched by the clever costume decisions. Agnes spending the first half of the film in red, orange tones before becoming a muted, sombre version of herself dressed in brown and grey. 

The poignancy created in the explosive climactic acts only work because Chloé Zhao and Maggie O'Farrell take the time to subtly imply events yet to take place within the screenplay. By the time the film's climactic crescendo is in full flow Hamnet has already spoke the events of Hamlet into existence. Agnes' transcendent love for her son is vicariously allowed to live through an actor performing Will's artful expression of his torment, guilt and grief.