'Hamnet' Review: Jessie Buckley, Paul Mescal lead moving Shakespeare family drama

Several of the best films are the ones that catch you off guard ones that you don't expect to like or that resonate with you after the credits roll Hamnet is one of them Adapted from Maggie O'Farrell's novel of the same name Hamnet tells a fictionalized depiction of the death of William Shakespeare's only son Hamnet explained through the perspective of his wife Anne Hathaway referred to in the film as Agnes Jessie Buckley stars as Agnes a rebellious farm girl who sparks a romance with Will Paul Mescal an aspiring playwright and poet An unplanned pregnancy leads them to tie the knot and going on to have three children Susanna followed by twins Hamnet and Judith ZOOTOPIA REVIEW DISNEY'S ANIMATED CRIME CAPER DELIVERS FUN FOR THE LITTLE CRITTERSWhile Agnes is raising the children in the countryside Will travels back and forth from London in hopes to propel his career while Agnes raises the children in the countryside It is unfortunately when he is away that tragedy strikes the Shakespeare household as the plague suggests the life of -year-old Hamnet Jacobi Jupe Will's absence during the family predicament puts a strain on his fragile marriage Buckley is not yet a marquee name though her immense talent warrants it She s been a darling of indie films delivering one standout performance after another Wild Rose I'm Thinking of Ending Things The Lost Daughter and Women Talking just to name a meager Her transformative portrayal of Agnes could make her an Oscar contender taking audiences on an emotional roller coaster from pure bliss to utter anguish WICKED FOR GOOD REVIEW ARIANA GRANDE CYNTHIA ERIVO WORK THEIR MAGIC IN A DARKER FINAL ACTMescal a rising star in his own right best known for last year's Gladiator II continues to earn his place in the company of our generation's leading men playing the renowned writer coping with the loss of his son by putting together a tragedy called Hamlet While strong performances from Buckley and Mescal are expected it's twelve-year-old Jacobi Jupe who truly impresses as the emotionally intelligent Hamnet showcasing both innocence and heartbreak not often seen from child actors Expect him to have a long career ahead JAY KELLY REVIEW ADAM SANDLER OUTSHINES GEORGE CLOONEY IN NETFLIX'S GLOSSY BUT HOLLOW SHOWBIZ DRAMEDYIf Hamnet is an orchestra then Chlo Zhao is its conductor delicately preserving a beautiful melody between the terrific performances her piercing screenplay and the rich cinematography of Lukasz Zal Zhao the writer director of the Best Picture winner Nomadland exceeds herself here It's no surprise that Hollywood giants Steven Spielberg and Sam Mendes signed on as producers JAY KELLY REVIEW ADAM SANDLER OUTSHINES GEORGE CLOONEY IN NETFLIX'S GLOSSY BUT HOLLOW SHOWBIZ DRAMEDY Hamnet is an incredibly moving period drama that showcases tender storytelling cinematic artistry and spectacular performances It's films like this that should make us grateful we have the ability to feel as humans even if it's agony It's why we go to the movies Hamnet is rated PG- for thematic content certain strong sexuality and partial nudity Running time hours minutes In theaters now