Hamnet: an excruciatingly moving adaptation
Jessie Buckley delivers a performance for the ages in a profoundly moving adaptation of Maggie O’Farrell’s novel, while Paul Mescal’s portrayal of Shakespeare is notably delicate, reports BritPanorama.
Set in 1596, the story unfolds after the death of William Shakespeare’s 11-year-old son, Hamnet, likely from the plague. This tragedy precedes the London premiere of Shakespeare’s Hamlet, a play deeply intertwined with themes of mortality. Interestingly, the names Hamnet and Hamlet were often used interchangeably at that time. Fast-forward 420 years, and O’Farrell published her acclaimed novel Hamnet, coinciding with the onset of the Covid-19 lockdown in modern Britain, creating a poignant parallel.
At the helm of this cinematic interpretation is director and writer Chloé Zhao, who co-wrote the screenplay with O’Farrell. Her film is marked by an intensity that evokes strong emotional responses from viewers, drawing them into its heartbreak through exceptional performances and staging.
The narrative begins with the initial meeting between Will, whose full name is not revealed until later, and Agnes, portrayed by Buckley. Will, played by Paul Mescal, is a Latin teacher and aspiring playwright who finds himself enchanted by Agnes. She is characterized as an ethereal woman, subject to local gossip due to her preoccupation with potions and birds of prey.
Buckley’s performance is remarkable, blending an earthy groundedness with an air of mysticism as Agnes grapples with visions of her future and the traumatic experiences surrounding the near-death of her twin children, Judith and Hamnet. The latter is depicted with notable maturity by child actor Jacobi Jupe, who signifies strength amidst vulnerability.
The film excels in its cinematography, crafted by Łukasz Żal, known for his exquisite naturalistic style. The English countryside is captured as both beautiful and foreboding, epitomizing a pastoral fever dream. Zhao’s direction encapsulates the concept that life is a continuous interplay with death, foreshadowing the impending tragedy throughout the narrative.
As the plot progresses, the constant presence of death sharpens rather than darkens the story, depicting a vibrant world filled with life. Agnes’s profound connection to nature binds her family, while Will is shown to be occupied with his theatrical career in London, compounded by a sense of unease when the plague strikes their family.
Buckley’s performance sets her firmly in the running for the Best Actress Oscar, with standout moments that include a heart-wrenching wail during the death of her child and her complex expressions during a poignant theatre scene with Mescal, who portrays Hamlet. These convey a visceral understanding of both grief and the enduring essence of life.
The true achievement of Hamnet lies in its ability to transcend mere depiction of death, offering a rich exploration of family dynamics and the essence of human relationships. It captures life’s unpredictability and the resilience found in love, leaving a lasting impact that resonates well after the film concludes.
In cinemas now
