Hamnet

William Shakespeare (Paul Mescal) and his wife (Jessie Buckley) celebrate the birth then mourn the loss of their child, Hamnet - a series of events that went on to inspire the West End sensation, Hamlet.

There was a point in this film, perhaps about half way through, where I was beginning to wonder what I was doing to myself by watching it. It’s dark, it’s gruelling, it’s miserable and it’s not clear where things are heading or even if the credits are suddenly about to roll. Perhaps this sense of doom was intentional.

Either way it doesn’t matter because Zhao pulls it back in such a loving and wonderful way in the final third that all is forgiven. Jessie Buckley is one of my favourite actresses working today and what a joy it is to see her in something so weighty and well put together.

Outside of the powerful central narrative and the incredible lead performances what struck me here was the depiction of Shakespeare’s England in completely natural light. There’s no Hollywood grime or people living in castles, just quietness and candlelight. Even in London, night time is almost completely pitch black. It’s not kitchen-sink realism, it still feels like a period piece, but there are so many little details and elements to the set dressing and costume design that are often overlooked in films like Hamnet.

A heartfelt, important depiction of people working through grief, pain, fear and trauma, and trying to chart a path through to life on the other side of it.