Oscar winner Zhao shows the Bard’s life and sorrows in ‘Hamnet’

Award-winning director Chloe Zhao is taking audiences on an emotional journey with her latest film, *Hamnet*. Known for her Oscar-winning work on *Nomadland*, Zhao ventures into 16th-century England, presenting a departure from her signature cinematic style, opting for a palette of forests, greenery, and somber skies.

The film delves into the deeply personal lives of William Shakespeare and his wife, Agnes, as they navigate the profound grief following the death of their 11-year-old son. Rather than focusing on Shakespeare's literary brilliance, *Hamnet* offers an intimate portrayal of his domestic life, highlighting his roles as a father and husband. While sorrow and loss are central themes, the narrative also weaves in heartfelt moments of joy.

*Hamnet* is an adaptation of Maggie O'Farrell's acclaimed novel, and thoughtfully acknowledges the historical fluidity of the names Hamlet and Hamnet during Shakespeare's era. The story is primarily set in Stratford-upon-Avon, chronicling Shakespeare's early years, his romance with Agnes, and their family life before his eventual move to London to pursue playwriting.

The film recently celebrated its Canadian premiere at the Toronto International Film Festival, with stars Jessie Buckley, who plays Agnes, and Paul Mescal, cast as Shakespeare, joining Zhao on the red carpet. Mescal humorously pointed out the unique blend of talent, noting, "Essentially you’ve got two Irish people and a Chinese woman in charge of a story that is so quintessentially British. It’s exciting to me."

Zhao herself reflected on the artistic shift for this project. Unlike her previous works, she remarked, "There are no sunsets. No magic hour in this film." She described the challenge as maintaining a singular focus, stating, "to keep myself on one stage, in one room and be with myself in stillness…It’s very uncomfortable, but that’s part of the process."

Anticipation is building for *Hamnet*'s broader release, scheduled to arrive in movie theaters in late 2025, promising a poignant and fresh perspective on one of history's most iconic figures.