Hamnet: A Stunning, Unexpectedly Emotional Triumph

Hamnet isn’t the type of film I’m usually drawn to, but the overwhelming acclaim—and my admiration for Jessie Buckley—made it impossible to ignore. I’m glad I gave it a chance, because it truly earns every accolade coming its way.

From the first frame, the film’s craftsmanship is undeniable. The cinematography, the atmosphere, and the emotional haze it draws you into all work together to create something quietly mesmerizing. Jessie Buckley delivers a deeply moving performance, one that will almost certainly place her firmly in awards conversations. Paul Mescal makes the most of his limited screen time as Hamlet, though the character’s presence isn’t always as captivating as expected.

The middle stretch does slow down, but the film regains its power through an achingly beautiful score that builds toward a final act packed with emotional force. That ending had me genuinely fighting back tears—an unexpected reaction for a film I hadn’t anticipated connecting with so strongly.

In the end, Hamnet stands out as one of the year’s biggest surprises: a concise, emotionally resonant retelling of the story behind Shakespeare that lingers long after it’s over.