Chloé Zhao's film 'Hamnet' is a poetic, meditative adaptation of Maggie O’Farrell’s novel, focusing on grief, nature, and emotional expression, with Zhao employing mindfulness techniques during production to deepen the storytelling. The film explores Shakespeare's life and loss from the perspective of Agnes Hathaway, emphasizing organic visuals and emotional authenticity, and is poised for awards success.
Jessie Buckley stars in the Oscar-tipped film 'Hamnet,' portraying Agnes Shakespeare, exploring her life and the emotional depth of her relationship with her family amid tragedy, directed by Chloé Zhao and based on Maggie O'Farrell's novel.
Chloé Zhao had to drastically change the ending of her film 'Hamnet' after realizing the original concept lacked coherence, leading her to reshoot the final scenes inspired by her emotional state and the music 'On the Nature of Daylight,' ultimately creating a more powerful and cathartic conclusion.
Chloé Zhao's film 'Hamnet' faced a challenge in crafting its ending, which was resolved through emotional discovery and a symbolic gesture of connection with the audience, culminating in a powerful communal moment that emphasizes love's transformation and the enduring human spirit.
The film 'Hamnet' by Chloé Zhao, based on Maggie O'Farrell's novel, is criticized for its slow pace, emotional manipulation, and lack of depth, focusing heavily on tragedy and grief without exploring characters' nuances, ultimately feeling more like a sentimental tearjerker than a profound portrayal of loss.
Chloé Zhao discusses her experience as a neurodivergent filmmaker, highlighting her heightened sensitivity to dissonance as a 'superpower' that influences her creative process, and shares insights about her films including 'Hamnet' and 'Eternals'.
Chloé Zhao discussed the challenges of Hollywood, the importance of ambiguity in storytelling, and how her neurodivergence is a 'superpower' that influences her creative process, highlighting her recent film 'Hamnet' and her views on storytelling and finance in the film industry.
Chloé Zhao's film 'Hamnet' won the Toronto International Film Festival's Audience Award, a strong predictor for Oscar success, with Zhao making history as the first director to win this award twice. The festival highlighted several notable films, and 'Hamnet' is seen as a potential contender for upcoming awards.
The 2025 TIFF Awards announced winners, with Chloé Zhao’s ‘Hamnet’ winning the People’s Choice Award, making her the first filmmaker to win two such awards, highlighting TIFF’s role as an Oscar predictor.
Chloé Zhao, after a four-year hiatus to decompress from intense projects like 'Nomadland' and 'Eternals,' returns to filmmaking with her adaptation of 'Hamnet,' inspired by Maggie O'Farrell's novel. She was drawn to the project after meeting Paul Mescal and Jessie Buckley, whose chemistry and essence fit her vision. Zhao emphasizes her intuitive storytelling process, her love for festivals, and her excitement for her upcoming projects, including 'Buffy the Vampire Slayer.'
Chloé Zhao discusses her film 'Hamnet,' emphasizing its depth and maturity, and shares insights into her personal journey and filmmaking approach, highlighting her Oscar prospects.
Jessie Buckley and Paul Mescal discuss their roles as Agnes and William Shakespeare in Chloé Zhao's adaptation of 'Hamnet,' highlighting their on-screen chemistry and the process of understanding their characters' spiritual and emotional depths during filming.
Chloé Zhao's adaptation of Maggie O’Farrell’s novel 'Hamnet' is a stately Shakespearean drama featuring powerful performances by Jessie Buckley and Paul Mescal, culminating in an emotionally overwhelming finale that explores grief, art, and universal connection, despite some narrative and tonal flaws.
Originally Published 4 months ago — by Rolling Stone
The film 'Hamnet,' directed by Chloé Zhao and featuring a standout performance by Jessie Buckley, is hailed as the most devastating movie of 2025, portraying the tragic loss of Shakespeare's son and its profound impact on his life and work, blending grief, art, and renewal.
The 69th BFI London Film Festival announced its 2025 lineup featuring notable films such as Chloé Zhao's 'Hamnet,' Bradley Cooper's 'Is This Thing On?,' and a Kate Moss biopic 'Moss & Freud,' along with other premieres and industry events, highlighting a diverse and star-studded program.
