Peter Bart: Emotional 'Hamnet' Tells Story of Love and Sorrow Against Chaotic English Renaissance Background (And Awards Season)

Are Academy voters drawn to films that stir deep emotions? In an awards season where serious contenders often struggle to stand out, Hamnet is earning praise for its emotional resonance, though some critics note its narrow narrative focus. Chlo Zhaos adaptation, expertly co-produced by Steven Spielberg and Sam Mendes, offers a contemplative alternative to louder, more spectacle-driven films currently in favor with critics.

After Zhaos 2021 success with the restrained and highly acclaimed Nomadland, she turned to Maggie OFarrells novel for a glimpse into Renaissance Englanda world rich with cultural revival yet overshadowed by the Black Death. The film portrays the Shakespeare family: Will (Paul Mescal), a young Latin tutor, and his spirited wife, Agnes (Jessie Buckley), who treasures her pastoral life with their 11-year-old son Hamnet and two daughters. Agnes struggles to comprehend her husbands scattered genius, as Will spends nights drafting plays by candlelight before heading to London to pitch them to a mix of ambitious and politically entangled theater producers.

The films historical backdrop is a society marked by turmoil, religious tension, and political intrigue. Amid Elizabethan Englands strict Puritanic norms, a thriving theater scene emerges, producing works such as Tamburlaine and Doctor Faustus. Meanwhile, conspiracies and plots abound, with spies and enforcers keeping watch over figures like Christopher Marlowe, Wills talented friend who challenges societal norms with his controversial ideas.

The narrative is punctuated by personal tragedy: the 1596 death of Hamnet to the plague devastates Will, even as he continues to negotiate with authorities who seek to censor his plays. Eventually, his masterpiece Hamlet reaches the stage, coinciding with Marlowes mysterious death. Agnes grief becomes the emotional heartbeat of the film, though some critics argue the film occasionally tips toward melodrama, amplified by the reuse of evocative music such as On the Nature of Daylight, known from previous films.

Zhaos visual and narrative style adds a unique depth, creating a cinematic experience that intertwines historical chaos with intimate human emotion. The films rich aesthetic and poignant storytelling position it as a likely standout in the upcoming awards season.

Author: Aiden Foster