HAMNET - Review | TIFF 2025

Chloé Zhao's latest film contains such a commanding and emotionally intense third act where it's impossible not to be swept up by how excellently it displays the value of storytelling helping to confront tragedy. A film that feels like it's all building up to the ending that works like magic, taking its time to naturally develop its central characters certainly contributes to this. It may come across a slow-burn, but it's effective for how emotionally involved viewers feel when distressing moments happen to characters that viewers have grown to connect with. Apart from Zhao not shying away from showcasing the full detail of the intensity displayed, Jessie Buckley and Paul Mescal as the leads sell their required emotions so flawlessly along with the rest of the cast. Even with the puzzling choice of having its opening quote spoil major parts of the film, a really solid dramatic romance becomes a shattering and satisfying conclusion in Zhao's best shot and written film to date.

Still Courtesy – Focus Features

Around the 16th and 17th century in northern England, Agnes (portrayed by Jessie Buckley) is perceived to be a witch given her family background by the people in her village. William Shakespeare (portrayed by Paul Mescal) is among the citizens of this village who doesn't let these perceptions of Agnes get in the way of sparking a romantic relationship with her. Regardles of Shakespeare's family initially dismissing her, he pursues get married to Agnes where they start a family while he deals with having writers block. Suddenly, external problems cause massive impacts to the once happy family, leading to tragedy and the creation of one of the most influentials plays ever made.

After winning the Oscar for her film Nomadland (2020) and her attempt to work in larger productions with Eternals (2021), Spielberg and Sam Mendes coming to help produce a period piece from Chloe Zhao results with a lot, especially a banger of a third act. One where the intensity and weight of the story truly come to a head. The way it captures the healing power of storytelling is so compelling that it’s nearly impossible not to be swept up in the raw emotion it evokes. The film feels as though it’s steadily building to something monumental, and by the time the final act arrives, everything has been carefully set up in a way that makes the payoff feel almost magical. This is largely due to the film’s deliberate pacing, which allows the central characters to develop naturally over time, making their eventual struggles all the more impactful.

The movie might be described as a slow-burn experience, but that description does a disservice to how skillfully the tension builds throughout. Rather than rushing toward its conclusion, the film takes its time to explore the lives and emotions of its characters. This measured approach makes the emotional peaks hit harder because viewers have had the time to form real attachments to the characters. When moments of tragedy strike, they don't feel like mere plot points; they feel like devastating blows to people viewers have come to care deeply about.

Still Courtesy – Focus Features

One of the standout aspects of the film is Zhao's unflinching commitment to depicting the raw intensity of her characters’ experiences. She doesn’t shy away from showing the full spectrum of pain, grief, and love, and this level of detail only strengthens the emotional pull of the story. Jessie Buckley and Paul Mescal deliver stunning performances, perfectly capturing the nuanced emotions their roles demand. Their chemistry is palpable, and they bring a depth to their characters that makes every moment of emotional vulnerability resonate deeply with the audience.

Despite some puzzling narrative choices, such as the decision to open with a quote that seems to foreshadow key plot points, the film remains a triumph in its dramatic and romantic elements. The opening moment, while potentially giving away certain details, does not detract from the film’s overall impact. Instead, it’s a testament to how well the rest of the film is constructed—the emotions and developments still land with full force, even when we think we know what’s coming. It’s a delicate balance, and Zhao pulls it off expertly, using the predictability to enhance the power of the inevitable heartbreak that follows.

In the end, Zhao’s film stands as her strongest work to date, not only for its direction but also for its finely crafted script. The film’s conclusion is nothing short of shattering, yet deeply satisfying. It’s a rare achievement to balance emotional devastation with a sense of fulfillment, but Zhao manages to do so with precision. The layers of grief, love, and storytelling come together in a way that feels earned, leaving the audience with a lingering emotional resonance long after the credits roll. This is a film that will be remembered for both its emotional depth and its bold, masterful execution.

Verdict

9/10

Still Courtesy – Focus Features