Movie Review
Historians have long speculated that Shakespeare’s masterpiece, “Hamlet,” was inspired by the loss of his only son, Hamnet, who died at age 11, possibly of bubonic plague. That hypothesis was the basis of Maggie O’Farrell’s 2020 bestseller, “Hamnet: A Novel of the Plague” and also this film, directed by Academy Award-winner Chloe Zhao (“Nomadland”).
From the first frame, “Hamnet” immerses viewers in the rough, primal world of the 1580s, where a young Latin tutor named Will meets a wild woodland girl named Agnes. Giddily in love, the two defy their parents to proclaim they are “handfasted,” or betrothed. Soon they are parents (prepare yourself for several grueling childbearing scenes). Two of their three children are healthy and strong: the oldest, Susannah, and the boy, Hamnet. But Hamnet’s twin, Judith, almost dies at birth and will always be sickly.
Will, meanwhile, frustrated by the limits of his life in Stratford, resolves to try his luck in London. Agnes at first supports the decision, though it will take him away from the family for months at a time. But soon she is nursing feelings of resentment.
The turning point comes when Judith falls victim to the pestilence. For days, as her father races home, the child hovers near death. Then, in an unexpected twist, just before Will bursts through the cottage door, Judith recovers and the illness claims Hamnet. The parents are plunged into grief, and Agnes cannot forgive her husband.
“Hamnet” is visually stunning, like a Vermeer painting come to life. And the players are extraordinary. It’s hard to even think of them as actors: they don’t perform their roles as much as inhabit them. Paul Mescal as Will personifies emotional truth, from the first flush of love and passion to his delight in marriage and fatherhood to raw grief and loss. Jessie Buckley is unforgettable as Agnes, overflowing with love so strong she would defy death to protect her children. Young Jacobi Jupe as Hamnet is a beguiling blend of innocence and childish wisdom. The entire cast is flawless.
Did Hamnet’s death transform Shakespeare from primarily a writer of comedies to a legendary tragedian? Did it inform his story of the melancholy Dane? There’s no way to know for sure. But “Hamnet” makes a compelling argument, and is stirring entertainment in any case. GRADE: ★★★★★
Screen Shots
Rental Family. A Tokyo talent agency addresses modern-day isolation by renting out actors to play clients’ imaginary friends, family and significant others. Brendan Fraser is endearing as the hired buddy who finds real connection through his work. GRADE: ★★★★
The Running Man. Contestants on a futuristic game show must outrun assassins to win the grand prize. Glen Powell’s one-note performance reduces this thriller to a cartoon. GRADE: ★★
Springsteen: Deliver Me from Nowhere. This look at young Bruce Springsteen is ploddingly paced, but Jeremy Allen White is effective as the artist on the brink of fame. GRADE: ★★★★
Blue Moon. Ethan Hawke is hilarious and heartbreaking as Broadway lyricist Lorenz Hart in the twilight of his life. A treat for lovers of the arts. GRADE: ★★★★★
Marjorie Preston is a writer, editor and movie buff. She lives in Brigantine.
