Director Chloé Zhao proves that Nomadland was no fluke with Hamnet, a moving historical-based drama, impeccably acted and one of the best films of the year.
During the English Renaissance, Will (Paul Mescal) and Agnes (Jesse Buckley) fall in love and marry. As they raise a family, Will is endeavoring to be a playwright instead of tutoring and spends his evenings slaving over his writings amid self-doubt. When the plague ravages the countryside, it strikes at the heart of their family and changes their lives forever. As Will struggles to find meaning and remembrance through his work, Agnes must find her way through grief and loss. When Will’s play Hamlet is performed in public for the first time, how will the masses react, and more importantly, how will Agnes respond? Both Will and Agnes look to his latest work for solace and inspiration.
Although not necessarily an actual history of William Shakespeare’s personal life, this fictional story surmises his early years with his wife, and it postulates how Hamlet, one of the greatest works of literature was borne out of tragedy. Once you get past the British accents, the story comes to life with the family relationships convincingly established early on which lends empathy to their subsequent pain and suffering.
Zhao
not only directed with conviction and feeling, but co-edited and co-wrote the screenplay
from its novel. The cinematography is impressive
from its panoramic tracking shots to more intimate hand held views that convey
emotion. This is an inhabited, totally believable
world of old England as depicted through period sets and costumes.
Undoubtedly,
this intimate film belongs to Buckley’s
outstanding acting, and she is strongly supported by Mescal. (This would make a great double bill with the
similarly themed Shakespeare in Love.) Expect Oscar nominations all around.
*****
of ***** stars
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