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Film explores love and grief in Shakespeare's family
Hamnet, a highly anticipated adaptation of Maggie O'Farrell's bestselling novel, delves into the emotional life of William Shakespeare's wife, Agnes, portrayed by Jessie Buckley. The film traces the couple's love story and their devastating loss, which is believed to have inspired Shakespeare's Hamlet. Directed by Oscar winner Chloé Zhao, the movie has already garnered critical acclaim ahead of its UK release on 9 January.
Agnes at the heart of the story
Unlike traditional portrayals of Shakespeare's wife-often referred to as Anne Hathaway-Hamnet centers Agnes as a fully realized woman, mother, and partner. Buckley describes the role as a profound honor, capturing the complexity of womanhood beyond literary history's shadow.
"She was the full story of what I understand a woman to be. Their capacity as women, as mothers, as lovers, as people who have a language unto their own beside gigantic men of literature like Shakespeare."
Jessie Buckley, BBC News
Buckley's emotional journey into motherhood and loss
The film's power lies in Agnes's relationship with her son, Hamnet, a role that pushed Buckley into uncharted emotional territory. The actress admitted to initial fears about portraying such raw grief, particularly as someone who had not experienced motherhood or the loss of a child.
"I know love, I know great love," she said. "I'm just trying to get a little bit more human in what I understand of being alive."
Critical reception and awards buzz
Hamnet has drawn praise for its performances and emotional depth. The Telegraph's Robbie Collin awarded it five stars, calling the adaptation "couldn't have been done any better," while The Times' Kevin Maher hailed Buckley's performance as "one for the ages." However, some critics, like Time's Stephanie Zacharek, found the film's emotional cues overly explicit.
Despite mixed reviews, Buckley's portrayal of Agnes is widely tipped for Oscar recognition, joining other standout female performances in 2025's awards season.
The Globe Theatre scene: A defining challenge
The film's climax-a reenactment of Hamlet's first performance at the Globe Theatre-proved to be Buckley's most daunting scene. Over 10 days of filming, she grappled with self-doubt, describing the experience as "profoundly lost," mirroring Agnes's own journey.
"There was a midwife on my right and another woman on my left. By day six, they were crying, I was crying, I was holding them up."
Jessie Buckley
Awards season: Excitement over pressure
When asked about the Oscars buzz, Buckley responded with cautious optimism, emphasizing the joy of sharing the film with audiences rather than the pressure of accolades.
"I'm so proud of this film. The greatest gift has been feeling the response that audiences have been feeling."
Jessie Buckley
Release and cast details
Hamnet arrives in UK cinemas on 9 January. The film also stars Paul Mescal as Shakespeare, Emily Watson, Joe Alwyn, and Jacobi Jupe as Hamnet. Zhao co-adapted the screenplay with O'Farrell, blending historical drama with intimate family storytelling.
