Chloé Zhao's films capture the essence of nature's transcendence, a quality that sets her work apart. From 'The Rider' to the Oscar-winning 'Nomadland' and even the divisive 'Eternals,' her movies reveal the mystical in the mundane, making everyday life profound. This unique aesthetic is the highlight of 'Hamnet,' Zhao's highly anticipated fifth film.
The story, a fictionalized account of William Shakespeare and his wife's journey through the loss of their son, has left festival audiences and critics in tears. Jessie Buckley's raw and intense performance as a grieving mother is particularly noteworthy. As a mother myself, I braced for an emotional rollercoaster.
However, the true power of 'Hamnet' lies in its sensory experience, even before the plot unfolds. Zhao, along with cinematographer Lukasz Zal, composer Max Richter, and Oscar-winning sound designer Johnnie Burn, creates an immersive forest setting that feels both unsettling and captivating. We are introduced to Buckley's character, Agnes, a forest witch's daughter, whose connection to nature is palpable. The opening shot, with Agnes curled beneath a giant tree, evokes a sense of the woods pulsating around her.
Her encounter with Will (Paul Mescal), the man who will become The Bard, is a delightful and free-spirited affair. Their love blossoms as they playfully flirt, and their marriage soon follows, along with the birth of their children: Susanna, and twins Hamnet and Judith. But then, tragedy strikes.
The film excels in portraying the couple's everyday life as young parents, making their joys and struggles relatable. Zhao, working with screenwriter Maggie O'Farrell, whose novel 'Hamnet' inspired the film, hints at a supernatural bond between the twins, a subtle yet captivating element. However, the depiction of Hamnet's death at age 11 is where the film takes a controversial turn.
Buckley and Mescal's performances are raw and unfiltered, but some may find the portrayal of their grief overly dramatic, pulling viewers out of the emotional depth the film aims for. The core idea of 'Hamnet' is its connection to Shakespeare's 'Hamlet,' suggesting that the play was his way of coping with his son's death. While some scenes are on-the-nose, like Will delivering the famous 'To be or not to be' soliloquy on a riverbank, the film's climax during the staging of 'Hamlet' offers a compelling argument for art as a healing force.
This theme is explored more subtly in another awards contender, 'Sentimental Value.' Yet, within 'Hamnet,' there are gripping moments during the play's performance that showcase the power of theater to transform. The casting of Noah Jupe as the actor playing Hamlet is a clever nod to the film's spiritual undertones, suggesting the potential fate of their son. And a pivotal overhead shot during the play is a breathtaking reminder of the film's opening, showcasing the craft and emotional impact of cinema.
But here's where it gets controversial: Is the film's portrayal of grief too intense, or is it a bold reflection of a parent's worst nightmare? Does the connection to 'Hamlet' enhance the story or feel forced? Share your thoughts below, and let's discuss this thought-provoking film!
