Samuel LoveThe 4K UHD release of Hamnet is undeniably beautiful, with richly textured cinematography and luminous natural light that gives every frame a painterly quality. But beneath the visuals, the film leans into relentless misery-porn that feels more overindulgent than moving, turning what could be poignant grief into nauseatingly saccharine, forgettable awards-bait. Jessie Buckley is magnificent, but everything around her becomes almost laughable in just how cliché it is – culminating in yet another cinematic use of Max Richter’s On the Nature of Daylight that feels like spoof.
Synopsis
Based on the New York Times best-selling novel, Academy Award®-winning director Chloé Zhao (Nomadland) directs a powerful story of love and loss. William Shakespeare (Paul Mescal) falls for the free-spirited Agnes (Jessie Buckley). Their whirlwind romance leads to marriage and three children, but as Will’s theatrical ambitions draw him to London, Agnes remains behind to manage the household. When tragedy strikes, their bond is deeply tested—but through grief and resilience, their journey inspires the creation of Shakespeare’s timeless masterpiece, Hamlet. The film also stars Emily Watson, Joe Alwyn and is produced by renowned filmmakers Steven Spielberg and Sam Mendes.
Special Features
- Family Is Forever
- Cultivating Creativity
- Recreating the Tudor Period
- Feature Commentary with Director Chloé Zhao
HAMNET is available on DVD, Blu-ray and 4K UHD from Universal
