REVIEW: ‘Hamnet’ Marks Chloé Zhao’s Return To Form With A Devastating Triumph

Chloé Zhao quickly became one of the biggest directors in Hollywood after winning Best Director (only the second woman to do so) and Best Picture for Nomadland. She followed that up with Marvel's Eternals, which turned out to be a complete misfire. She announced her next as Hamnet, adapted from Maggie O’Farrell’s acclaimed novel, and all eyes were on how this one turns out, plus there was a lot of negative noise from test screenings, calling it 'depressing' and 'difficult to watch.' She gathered an ensemble cast for this one, including Jessie Buckley, Paul Mescal, Emily Watson, Joe Alwyn and Jacobi Jupe.

Co-written by O’Farrell herself, the film fictionalizes the lives of Agnes (better known as Anne Hathaway), William Shakespeare, and their son Hamnet. Rather than delivering a straightforward biopic, Zhao and O’Farrell take us on an emotional journey that is best experienced with as little foreknowledge as possible. It is a fascinating perspective on Shakespeare, and its power lies in how deeply it resonates with universal themes of love, grief, and the fragility of life.

Jessie Buckley gives the best performance of her career. As Agnes, she is raw, magnetic, and shattering. Buckley carries the film with such emotional precision that an Oscar nomination feels inevitable—anything less would be an oversight. She completely captures Agnes’ mystical intuition and aching humanity. Paul Mescal, as Shakespeare, builds slowly through the first two acts, only to completely own the third. His performance is devastating, tender, and among his very best, cementing his reputation as one of the most exciting actors of his generation.

Yet, the true revelation is Jacobi Jupe as Hamnet. In what can only be described as arguably one of the top five child performances in Hollywood history, Jupe delivers work that is uncanny in its depth and truth. Every beat of Hamnet’s character is captured with astonishing clarity, and his presence lingers long after the credits roll. You'll never guess that he's only acted in less than half a dozen projects. Noah Jupe, in a smaller role, also impresses, while Emily Watson and Joe Alwyn do well with limited material.

Zhao’s direction is nothing short of a return to form. Careful, focused, and mature, her vision steers the film with poetic restraint, letting emotion swell naturally rather than forcing it. The cinematography is breathtaking, with every shot designed to complement both the performances and themes. The visuals carry a painterly quality, each frame drenched in meaning. Max Richter’s score elevates the experience further—his haunting compositions intertwine with the imagery and acting to create moments that are overwhelming in their beauty and sadness.

The first two acts of Hamnet are quietly engrossing, but it’s in the third act that the film soars into the realm of the unforgettable. Here, Zhao delivers a devastating meditation on loss, death, and grief that will leave most audiences weeping. The execution is staggering in its emotional weight, a shattering culmination that lingers long after leaving the theater.

Hamnet is a cinematic triumph. It is tender, devastating, and timeless. It is one of the standout films of TIFF 2025 and one of the finest dramas of recent years. Zhao has crafted a masterpiece that cements her artistry. With its extraordinary performances—especially from Buckley, Mescal, and Jacobi Jupe—haunting score, and poetic visuals, It is poised to dominate awards season. It is easily one of the best films of TIFF 2025.

Rating: ★★★★½

About Hamnet

Premiere Date: November 27, 2025

Director: Chloé Zhao

Producers: Chloé Zhao, Steven Spielberg, Liza Marshall, Pippa Harris, Nicolas Gonda, Sam Mendes

Writers: Chloé Zhao, Maggie O'Farrell

Cast: Jessie Buckley, Paul Mescal, Joe Alwyn, Emily Watson, Jacobi Jupe, Noah Jupe

Synopsis: The story of Agnes - the wife of William Shakespeare - as she struggles to come to terms with the loss of her only son, Hamnet.