The Stream: It’s really just a simple family drama.

The Big Screen: Emotional performances by Jessie Buckley and Paul Mescal

The Final Bill: A simple, emotional drama elevated by strong lead performances.

– Trip Fontaine
Director: Chloé Zhao
Writers: Chloé Zhao and Maggie O’Farrell based on the novel by Maggie O’Farrell
Stars: Jessie Buckley, Paul Mescal, Joe Alwyn, Emily Watson, Jacobi Jupe, Noah Jupe
Genre: Drama
Rating: PG-13 for thematic content, some strong sexuality, and partial nudity.
Runtime: 1 hour 58 minutes
Production Companies: Focus Features, Hera Pictures, Neal Street Productions, Amblin Entertainment, Book of Shadows
Platform: In theaters December 5, 2025
Notable Trailers: Midwinter Break, Song Sung Blue, You, Me, and Tuscany, Wuthering Heights, Reminders of Him

Hail, Streamers! As the year comes to a close, studios are jockeying to put out their Academy Award Best Picture hopefuls. It is quite obvious that Hamnet is one of those for Focus Features. In fact, Hamnet ticks many of those Oscar-bait boxes: serious family drama; based on an acclaimed novel; supposedly, a tearjerker; set in 16th century England; and depicting fictionalized versions of historical figures. Yep, that checks a lot of boxes. Anyway, in this movie, Agnes (Jessie Buckley) and Will (Paul Mescal) meet, quickly fall in love and build a family together, including three children Susanna, Judith and Hamnet. When tragedy strikes, Agnes consumed with grief must deal with not only her loss but its effect on her relationship with Will. “To sleep, perchance to dream” and other Shakespearean hijinks ensue.

The plot of Hamnet is very simple, which means that its success is dependent on its emotional impact and the elements of the film that support it. This movie has top-notch elements that make it a worthy venture into 16th century England. You’ll notice the beautiful cinematography that photographs the lush countryside and the grimy town. The costumes are evocative of the time period. The production design is great as well. The people are noticeably dirty as you would expect in that time. It all feels pretty authentic. As things get more theatrical when the mechanics of the plot take over, it still is grounded by the emotionally affecting performances of Jessie Buckley and Paul Mescal. Jessie Buckley is fierce and all-consuming as she takes center stage while Mescal is reserved and at a distance. Each plays their character in a way that draws you in.

Now, I admire the movie for all that it is, but I wasn’t as emotionally devastated as the movie is trying to make its audience. This is a tearjerker, so it’s working to make you cry. I can see how one could get there, especially near the end, but I did not get there. You may need a pack of tissues – your mileage may vary. Nevertheless, I was invested in this story and moved by its conclusion even though no tears came.

Ultimately, Hamnet is a well-crafted, emotional family drama. It handles its serious subject with care and tugs insistently on your heartstrings. The strong performances from Jessie Buckley and Paul Mescal elevate what is otherwise a simple story about loss and grief. It looks great from the cinematography to the costumes, and it ends with an emotional wallop. Hamnet is worthy viewing, so I’ll suggest big box of popcorn.