REVIEW: Hamnet (BFI London Film Festival)

Even though I have read the book and seen the stage adaptation,  Chloé Zhao’s film adaptation of the 2020 novel still devastated and captivated me in equal measures.

It is no easy task to capture Maggie O’Farrell’s poetic and heartbreaking story that takes us through the story of Agnes and William Shakespeare (although he is never mentioned by name except in one instance – exactly how it is in the book) through falling in love, creating a family and dealing with everything that comes their way – including a terrible tragedy.

All of the main aspects of the story are captured powerfully (the death scene is incredibly moving and brutal), this is a film that makes you truly feel all of the emotions from the joy and love of a family to the devastation and grief felt in the latter part of the film. It is deeply humane – although it does feel that more focus (still as was in the stage adaptation) on Shakespeare’s feelings of guilt and grief when the purpose was to shine a light on Agnes.

There are so many beautifully framed scenes to be found throughout (in particular the way in which the use of nature is interwoven really helps to showcase the power of the plot in a captivating way), the variety of shots enhance the power of emotions on display perfectly that help make it truly feel that the book has come to life.

While perhaps there are certain aspects of the story that are perhaps underplayed (her gift of foresight for example) and slightly more focus on Shakespeare and his emotional turmoil (slightly frustrating given it should be how about the whole family copes in the aftermath), these are minor complaints in what is a sensitive and thought provoking take on grief. There is truly a poetic feel to the film that reflects Maggie O’Farrell’s story perfectly.

The film also brilliantly brings the 16th century to life, having a very sensory feel to it. The audience can almost believe that they are there experiencing this family’s story alongside them, thanks to Lukasz Zal’s gorgeous cinematography that makes the film feel completely intimate and raw – particularly in the climax scenes.

The performances are also all wonderfully interlinked with each other that makes the story come together in a perfect way. Jessie Buckley as Agnes gives such a raw, hypnotic performance that shows the character’s fierceness and protectiveness as a parent so effectively – her grief and heartbreak is almost unbearable to witness. She is well matched with Paul Mescal’s Will whose tormented version of Will is impressive for the understated nature of the performance. There is a rawness to each performance that it is difficult to take your eyes off them.

Credit should also be given to the young performers who deliver performances beyond their years. Jacobi Jupe as Hamnet is completely engaging and a joy to watch in every scene that he is in, well matched by Olivia Lynes as Judith who is absolutely sweet and devastating in the way she deals with Hamnet’s death and Bodhi Rae Breathnach as Susanna offers great maturity. You believe them all as a family.

Overall, Hamnet is an exquisite film both visually and emotionally. It really is the film of the year.

By Emma Clarendon

Rating: ❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️