Oscar 2026 Nominee: 5 Reasons to Watch 'Hamnet' 0 12

In 2021, Chloé Zhao became an Oscar triumph with her film 'Nomadland,' which won in the categories of 'Best Picture,' 'Best Director,' and 'Best Actress.' After that, the director released the not-so-successful (though original) 'Eternals' within the Marvel Cinematic Universe. Now Zhao has returned with a new film and is again vying for several awards. Her 'Hamnet' is discussed slightly less than 'The Battle of the Bards' or 'The Sinners,' but the film turned out to be very beautiful and emotional, and Jessie Buckley could very well take home the statuette for her portrayal.

About the Film 'Hamnet'

• Original title: Hamnet.

• Country of production: United Kingdom, United States.

• Genre: Biography, Drama.

• Release date: August 29, 2025.

• Duration: 2 hours 5 minutes.

• Director: Chloé Zhao.

• Starring: Jessie Buckley, Paul Mescal, Emily Watson, Joe Alwyn, Jacobie Jupe, Olivia Lyons.

In Stratford, a Latin teacher notices a charming girl with a hawk through the window during class. He learns that her name is Agnes and that those around her consider her the daughter of a witch. The couple falls in love and marries, and they have a daughter, Susanna, followed by twins Hamnet and Judith.

The man is drawn to art. To grow, he must go to London, into theatrical circles. Agnes senses tragedy but does not hinder her husband from fulfilling his destiny.

1. The Film Combines History and Fiction

To promote the film, they spoiled it in every possible way. Some explanations were even added directly to the title, making it clear from the start who this movie is about. Yet in the actual narrative, aside from a disclaimer about the similarity of the names Hamnet and Hamlet, there is no hint for a long time about who Paul Mescal plays. But let’s not hide it: this is a film about the making of William Shakespeare.

However, watching the film is still interesting, as the plot does not retell real events but creates a fantasy based on known facts about historical figures. Agnes is portrayed as a herbalist who may foresee the future. Shakespeare himself is depicted as a sensitive person torn between creativity and love. Here, it is pointless to look for historical inaccuracies; they are embedded in the very idea.

2. The Film Tells the Story of Agnes, Not Her Husband

One would expect a film featuring William Shakespeare and his work to focus on the life of the legendary author. But the main character of the film is Agnes. All events are shown through her emotions and experiences. Here, Jessie Buckley's talent comes to the forefront. The actress has already won a Golden Globe for this role and then became one of the main contenders for the Oscar.

Her character is not just the 'wife of a great writer.' She is a strange woman who knows more about the world than those around her. She can express the wildest emotions: she laughs heartily and literally growls when she is in pain. Sometimes Agnes withdraws into herself and becomes restrained and quiet, experiencing grief and difficult moments.

3. The Audience Is Not Forced to Feel Emotions

It may sound surprising, but even within Marvel, Chloé Zhao excelled at filming quiet, everyday scenes. What can be said about her 'Nomadland' — a film where silence and glances outnumber dialogues.

In 'Hamnet,' many feelings are also not verbalized, allowing the audience to guess what the characters are feeling. Paul Mescal and Jessie Buckley often remain silent in their shared scenes, embracing and staring into space. But their presence next to each other, the surrounding environment, and even the light influence the perception.

4. Nature and Color Palette Are Parts of the Story

Returning to 'Nomadland,' one can recall that Chloé Zhao captures landscapes beautifully. In 'Hamnet,' her mastery reaches a new level. Nature here is almost a separate character. Scenes with Agnes in the forest or during childbirth directly affect the perception of the film.

This is complemented by the work with the color palette — the heroine's red dress stands out not only against the backdrop of trees but also among other people who more often wear clothing in muted tones.

The changing seasons, parallels between people and animals, the heroine's closeness to the earth — all of this adds a nearly mystical subtext to the story. But without delving into esotericism.

5. This Is a Film About the Power of Art

Remarkably, 'Hamnet' continues a theme that is relevant for the upcoming Oscars: as in 'Sentimental Value' and even 'The Sinners,' it showcases the power of art. In this case, it is done very beautifully and simultaneously sadly. The film does not speak of the birth of great works but directly shows that one can embody their deepest experiences in art.

For Shakespeare, the ability to create plays is the only way to preserve the memory of a loved one. This is an art that will outlive the author himself. And for the modern viewer, 'Hamnet' is an opportunity to see that great works were once simply personal stories.