Widely regarded as Shakespeare’s greatest tragedy, Hamlet is one of the most recognizable pieces of literary works in history. Oscar winning director Chloé Zhao, brings to the big screen, her adaptation of Maggie O’Ferrell’s acclaimed novel Hamnet, a moving historical fiction and reimagining of a family life, loss and grief that may have seeded the foundation for the iconic play. 

The story of Hamnet sets a late 16th century backdrop, following the lives of Agnes (Jessie Buckley) and her husband, Will (Paul Mescal), as they endure the hardship of raising children in times of the plague. As illness befalls their young son, the family is forced to grapple with uncertainty and grief, a confrontation of love, loss and the fragile bonds that connect them.

Chloé Zhao presents the intimate narrative with incredibly captivating visuals, beautiful atmosphere, framing and composition. The emotional clarity is felt in the direction as the grounded storytelling and deep tension displays the ache of loss in a moving, compelling way. Jessie Buckley gives a Best-Actress worthy performance embodying every emotion sincerely. The chemistry between Buckley and co-lead Paul Mescal, who is also great, perfectly captures tense marital dynamic and painful parental devotion. Jacobi June is a standout, in a role that is necessary to the story’s sentimentality, the young actor is deserving of his recognition as the key piece holding the entire film together.

Overall, Hamnet is a near-perfect adaptation and exploration of grief. It’s ideas of art as an avenue for confronting loss, reshaping pain and sorrow to form something sensible is timeless. Zhao phenomenally demonstrates an understanding of art and creativity as an expression that gives language to unbearable heartache through a film that is subtle yet profoundly sincere and human. Without a doubt one of the best films this year.

5/5