Prepare to be captivated by a film that dares to explore the depths of human emotion, from the heights of joy to the darkest valleys of despair. But here's where it gets controversial: can a story centered on William Shakespeare's personal tragedy truly do justice to the complexities of his wife's life? Hamnet, starring Jessie Buckley and Paul Mescal, is an Oscar-tipped masterpiece that delves into the life of the playwright’s wife, Agnes (historically known as Anne Hathaway), and the devastating loss that inspired one of Shakespeare’s greatest works, Hamlet. But this isn’t just another tale about the man behind the quill—Agnes is the undeniable heart of the film, a woman whose story is as rich and multifaceted as any of Shakespeare’s characters.
In an interview with BBC News, Buckley reveals her profound connection to Agnes, stating, ‘She was the full embodiment of what I understand a woman to be—a mother, a lover, a person with her own language, standing beside a literary giant like Shakespeare.’ Buckley’s portrayal of Agnes is a testament to the actress’s ability to inhabit complex roles, a skill she’s honed since her breakthrough on the 2008 BBC One talent show I’d Do Anything. Since then, she’s garnered critical acclaim, including BAFTA and Oscar nominations for her roles in Wild Rose and The Lost Daughter, respectively.
Hamnet, adapted from Maggie O’Farrell’s 2020 bestselling novel, is directed by Chloé Zhao, whose Nomadland won her the Best Director Oscar in 2021. The film also features Emily Watson, Joe Alwyn, and Jacobi Jupe in pivotal roles. While it has received widespread praise—with The Telegraph’s Robbie Collin calling it ‘flawless’ and The Times’ Kevin Maher hailing Buckley’s performance as ‘timeless’—it’s not without its critics. Time’s Stephanie Zacharek argues that Zhao’s direction lacks subtlety, while LA Times’ Amy Nicholson questions whether Shakespeare himself would appreciate this intimate portrayal of his domestic life.
And this is the part most people miss: The emotional core of the film lies not just in Agnes’s relationship with her son, Hamnet, but in the raw, unfiltered humanity Buckley brings to the role. She admits to feeling ‘conscious and scared’ about portraying a mother’s grief without having experienced it herself, yet she taps into universal truths about love and loss. ‘I know love, I know great love,’ she reflects, ‘and I’m always striving to understand what it means to be alive through the characters I play.’
One of the film’s most challenging scenes takes place at the Globe Theatre, where Agnes watches the first performance of Hamlet. Buckley describes feeling ‘terrified’ and ‘overwhelmed’ during the shoot, yet it became a transformative experience. ‘By day six, everyone was crying—even a man who hadn’t cried in four years,’ she recalls. ‘It was extraordinary to witness the power of storytelling to connect us all.’
As Hamnet gears up for its UK release on January 9, Buckley remains humble about the Oscar buzz surrounding her performance. ‘I’m just going to get into the river,’ she laughs, emphasizing her focus on celebrating the story and the bond forged with her cast and crew. But the question remains: Is Hamnet a groundbreaking exploration of a woman’s story, or does it fall short in its attempt to humanize a historical figure? Share your thoughts in the comments—we’d love to hear your take on this thought-provoking film.
