"Review of 'Hamnet': Paul Mescal and Jessie Buckley deliver intense performances in William Shakespeare's heart-wrenching tragedy"
In the world of period dramas, Hamnet stands out as a unique and captivating film. Adapted from Maggie O'Farrell's novel by Chloé Zhao, this movie offers a fresh take on the story of the Shakespeare family, focusing on the impact of Hamnet's death on his mother, Agnes.
Hamnet does not aim for an earnest recreation of the real-life marriage between William Shakespeare (played by Paul Mescal) and Anne "Agnes" Hathaway. Instead, it follows O'Farrell's interpretation, presenting a more mystical and introspective portrayal of Agnes.
Agnes' character is central to the plot, and her visions, key to her motivations, are only described in dialogue. This approach keeps Agnes a bit enigmatic, inviting viewers to delve deeper into her character.
One of the most powerful moments in the film comes when Paul Mescal's character delivers the famous "to be or not to be" speech, imbuing it with a layer of profound pain and contemplation.
The tension in the film is heightened by Agnes' expectation that her youngest child, Judith, will be the one to die. However, it is her bright, adventurous, and caring boy, Hamnet, who falls ill.
Hamnet was reviewed out of its premiere at the Toronto International Film Festival and is set to open in theaters on Dec.12. The film's climax takes Agnes and Will's pain to the stage of the Globe theatre, offering a poignant and moving conclusion.
Hamnet is a bold rebellion against the temptations of glossy Hollywood biopics and regal romance or cerebral theatricality. Noah Jupe, playing the onstage Hamlet, effectively portrays an actor striving to impress an audience and the dreamy wish of a mourning mother.
Playing Will and Agnes from their youth into adulthood, Mescal and Buckley easily capture the lusty impulsiveness of young love. Their performances are riveting, providing a rich and nuanced portrayal of the Shakespeare family.
Jacobi Jupe's performance as the 11-year-old Hamnet is stupendous, and he effectively conveys the innocence and vitality of the character. Agnes, played by Jessie Buckley, is a woman in touch with the woods and prone to premonitions of the future.
In the film, Agnes scoffs at gossip that she is a witch, but her woodsy appeal attracts the passionate and bookish son of a local glove-maker, Will. The scene where Will discovers Hamnet's death is a powerful moment, with a mix of dread, hope, and fear portrayed by Mescal.
Hamnet could be an unconventional but strong Oscar contender. If you're looking for a thought-provoking and emotionally resonant period drama, be sure to catch Hamnet in theaters this December.
