Hamnet (2025)
12-month trend
12-month trend
Monthly article views
2025-09 to 2026-08
The film dramatises the family life of William Shakespeare and his wife Agnes Hathaway as they cope with the death of their 11-year-old son Hamnet.
The story
Set in 16th-century England, the film follows the lives of William Shakespeare and his wife Agnes Hathaway. The narrative begins with their meeting and the subsequent formation of their family. As William struggles with his family's debts and his own artistic frustrations, the couple navigates the complexities of marriage and parenthood. The story focuses on their intimate bond and the challenges they face as they raise their children, including the young Hamnet and Judith, while navigating the social and personal pressures of their time.
Full plot (contains spoilers)
The film follows William Shakespeare and Agnes Hathaway from their initial meeting to their life as parents. After Agnes's family disowns her for her relationship with William, they marry and have children. The narrative follows the growth of their children, Hamnet and Judith, and the impact of the bubonic plague on their lives. Following the death of their son Hamnet, the film explores the profound grief of the parents. The story culminates in a performance of 'Hamlet' at the Globe Theatre, where Agnes witnesses a production that serves as a tribute to their lost son, allowing her to find a moment of peace and connection with his memory.
- First release year
- 2025
- Runtime (minutes)
- 126
- Production countries
- United Kingdom; United States
- Original languages
- English
- Directors
- Chloé Zhao
- Writers
- Chloé Zhao · screenplay; Maggie O'Farrell · screenplay
- Cast and characters
- Jessie Buckley · Agnes; Paul Mescal · William; Emily Watson; Joe Alwyn; Jacobi Jupe; Noah Jupe
- Genres
- historical drama
- Themes
- grief; mother–son relationships; art and life
- Tone and mood
- emotionally raw; poignant
- Premise and plot tags
- historical drama; biographical; period piece
- Source material / true-story basis
- the 2020 novel by Maggie O'Farrell
- Reception
- Critical reception was positive, with Buckley's performance receiving particular praise.
- Reported review scores
- Metacritic · score: 84 · scale: 100 · review count: 54
- Awards and nominations
- Best Motion Picture – Drama · Golden Globe Awards · 83rd · win; Best Actress in a Motion Picture – Drama · Golden Globe Awards · 83rd · win; Best Actress · Academy Awards · 98th · win
- Production trivia
- The film incorporates the Old English Nine Herbs Charm.; The score features Max Richter's 2004 track 'On the Nature of Daylight'.; The Globe Theatre scenes were filmed at a replica built at Elstree Studios.
Film metadata comes from the open sources listed in Credits & Contact. Catalogue details may be incomplete.
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