Hamnet Movie Review

Released: 9th January 2026 (UK)

Length: 126 Minutes

Certificate: 12A

Director: Chloe Zhao

Starring: Paul Mescal, Jessie Buckley, Emily Watson, Jacobi Jupe, David Wilmot, Olivia Lynes and Bodhi Rae Breathnach

Debuting ten years ago with Songs My Brothers Taught Me, Chloe Zhao has a keen eye for deeply poignant connections. Following a brief stint in the Marvel Cinematic Universe, Zhao has started 2026 with a powerful production, one that will certainly be up for many awards and widespread praise.

Based on the 2020 novel by Maggie O’Farrell, we follow the story of William Shakespeare (Paul Mescal), his wife Agnes (Jessie Buckley) and their three children; Susanna (Bodhi Rae Breathnach) Judith (Olivia Lynes) and Hamnet (Jacobi Jupe). After starting a family in the town of Stratford, the playwright journeys to London to begin casting his most famous work. But back home, tragedy strikes and threatens to tear their love apart. The film takes a small-scale and intimate approach, never veering away from the two main characters who go through a visceral period of loss and psychological strain. The film cuts to black at all the key moments and seamlessly cuts back and forth between two main locations as well as the character’s imagination. It provides plenty of development while also showing how family dynamics, education and other activities worked in the Elizabethan period. Admittedly the opening bond that forms between William and Agnes feels quite abridged in the first act, but the emotions that blossom easily make up for it. The transition of time is seamless as the Shakespeare children grow up and their parents navigate the more gruelling parts of life.

With such complex themes and emotional moments, Paul Mescal and Jessie Buckley deliver some outstanding performances, perhaps the best work they’ve ever done. William becomes distant from his family, his frustration and inner turmoil growing while Agnes is far more primal. You really feel the physical pain she goes through in childbirth and the subsequent isolation that surrounds her over time. Often the camera will home in on their facial expressions, only using dialogue when the characters are together. Both leads are deepened through simple techniques; William cutting his hand on the wooden table and losing his patience with his actors and Agnes trying to busy herself with gardening and engaging with her Pagan beliefs; the turmoil that hangs over them is presented flawlessly. The child actors are equally strong; the care the Shakespeare children show for each other when hardship strikes and carefree interactions with their parents feel nuanced and affecting.

With a beautiful, naturalistic look, Hamnet’s portrayal of sixteenth century Stratford will fully immerse you in the narrative. Every shot is grounded and contained, staying focused on the human drama. The use of both real buildings in the town and carefully placed lighting creates a serene and tender atmosphere, something that only enhances the story and characters. The forests surrounding Stratford are stunning and the changing weather is used in subtle ways to speak of foreboding danger. By contrast the scenes in London are compact and effective, a city where citizens gather to see light-puppet shows at night. The big exception is the Globe Theatre which is presented lovingly in the climax. The grandeur and impactful stage play emphasises how much influence Shakespeare had over the masses. As the audience reaches out to the story being told, so will you. Everything is tied together by the soundtrack by Max Richter; it’s the centrepiece of an already brilliant presentation with many heart-wrenching tracks. On The Nature Of Daylight is used to superb effect in the film’s final moments.

Intense and moving in equal measure, Hamnet is an early contender for the best film of 2026. Jessie Buckley and Paul Mescal are staggering in their performances, conveying different interpretations of grief that will pull your heartstrings at every turn. You owe it to yourself to take in this excellent drama.

Rating: 4.5/5 Stars (Brilliant)