Every theatre kid has their connection to William Shakespeare. Love him or hate him, we all learn about his work and there are some moments in the world of theatre that we owe to the prolific playwright. And one story has always meant the most to fans: Hamlet.
Which brings us to the story of Hamnet. The new Chloé Zhao film is based on the book of the same name by Maggie O’Farrell and tells a fictionalized story of Shakespeare’s real life son, Hamnet. William (Paul Mescal) is the playwright we know and love but the film is based around the events that inspired the play. Which do, unfortunately, lead to the death of Shakespeare’s son.
Basically, the play about grief and loss is about Shakespeare’s own loss. Depressing! And now we get to see that come to life with Mescal and Jessie Buckley as Agnes Hathaway, Shakespeare’s wife. The first trailer for the film was released and from Shakespeare’s little earring to his love story with Agnes, we are going to be in for quite the treat.
The film is described as follows: “From Academy Award® winning writer/director Chloé Zhao, Hamnet tells the powerful story of love and loss that inspired the creation of Shakespeare’s timeless masterpiece, Hamlet.”
Shakespeare’s plays have inspired the world but his tragedies have a way of exploring our darkest fears and emotions and his work stays with its audience. It is why so many have a deep love for Hamlet as a story. What is going to be great about Hamnet is the fact that it will mix the story we know with the reality of Shakespeare’s life.
The film is set to release in select theaters on Thursday, November 27th with a wider release later in December and I can’t wait to spend the holidays crying about Shakespeare!
(featured image: Focus Features)
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