Hamnet Review: Excellent Ode to Shakespeare’s Work!

From what I’ve seen, Chloe Zhao has been a director of potent yet unfulfilling work. The work I’ve seen from her just hasn’t completely clicked with me, especially the poor Marvel outing of Eternals (2021). This, however, is CINEMA!

Hamnet is the story of William Shakespeare and Agnes, plagued by tragedy and loss, inspiring Shakespeare to conceive his iconic work of “Hamlet”. There is a combination of elements that Chloe Zhao takes advantage of at critical junctures to make Hamnet a true and modern revision of the classic Shakespearean story.

There’s some effective use of cinematography by Lukasz Zal and staging that exemplify the evolving relationship and emotions of the protagonists as the story develops. The musical score by composer Max Richter is a flawless undertone and is elaborately weaved into the background to allow each scene to draw in the audience and send them out with an absorbed feeling of empathy for the characters.

Two talented actors in the form of Jessie Buckley and Paul Mescal reign it all in as the center to this experience. Buckley and Mescal perform at an inexplicably high level, and as the camera is fixed on these two, they perfectly deliver with dramatic and affecting resolve. The progression of their relationship as Will and Agnes serves as the utmost importance to lead into the dramatic climax of Shakespeare’s “Hamlet,” and boy does it make its mark.

With Zhao able to utilize every piece of carefully cultivated storytelling pieces concomitantly, Hamnet drives on as a truly complete and intently executed movie. I’ll admit my disapproval of how elements of “Hamlet” carry over into the story of Hamnet that, in a way, feel like oddly placed easter eggs. These moments don’t work, but what does work is how Zhao and writer Maggie O’Farrell can tie the most essential turning points of the story into the presentation of Will’s stage play in the film’s final moments.

Hamnet may deceive people into anticipating Oscar bait for the season. Aside from a meager few moments of the film, this rewards with a true and excellent ode to William Shakespeare’s work with a superbly written and directed movie.

‘Hamnet’ Rating – 4/5

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