From Nomadland to the Bard’s backyard, Chloé Zhao’s latest has sparked a quiet storm at Telluride. Five months before release, what is Hamnet doing to audiences that has them whispering already?
Fresh off Nomadland and a Marvel detour with Eternals, Chloé Zhao turns to Shakespeare with Hamnet, adapting Maggie O’Farrell’s novel into a historical portrait of the family spark behind Hamlet. Early reactions from Telluride highlight its emotional heft and standout turns from Jessie Buckley and Paul Mescal, with Emily Watson strengthening the ensemble. The film opens in the US on November 27, 2025, and in France on January 21, 2026.
A cinematic return: Chloé Zhao’s Hamnet draws anticipation
Chloé Zhao, one of the most celebrated filmmakers of the past decade, is set to unveil her latest historical drama, Hamnet. Inspired by Maggie O’Farrell’s acclaimed novel, the film traces the poignant story of William Shakespeare’s son and the possible roots of his masterpiece, the play Hamlet. Anticipation is rising for a work that promises intimacy, scope, and emotional precision.
From page to screen: the making of Hamnet
Adapted from Maggie O’Farrell’s award-winning novel, Hamnet reimagines Shakespeare’s personal tragedy, blending historical detail with powerful feeling. Set in late 16th-century England, it delves into the complex bonds within the Shakespeare household. The cast features Paul Mescal as Shakespeare, Jessie Buckley as his wife Anne Hathaway, and Emily Watson in a pivotal supporting role.
The director guiding this ambitious project is Zhao, renowned for the Oscar-winning Nomadland and her Marvel venture, Eternals. Known for capturing resilience and vulnerability, she brings a humane gaze to period storytelling. Hamnet is set to release on November 27, 2025 in the United States, followed by a January 21, 2026 premiere in France.
First reviews praise performances and raw emotion
Critics who attended the unveiling at the Telluride Festival are calling the film a standout. Dan Mecca praised its “compelling emotional landscape,” while Sophie Ciminello highlighted the “intimate yet universal grief” that Zhao’s direction conveys. Joey Magidson emphasized the seamless interplay between the film’s poignant narrative and its visually arresting cinematography.
Paul Mescal delivers what critics call “a quietly devastating” portrayal of Shakespeare.
Jessie Buckley’s nuanced work evokes Anne Hathaway’s strength and sorrow.
Emily Watson is singled out for a raw, commanding presence in crucial moments.
Many have underlined the film’s emotional depth, with grief and familial ties rendered with clarity and care, setting it apart from conventional historical dramas through Zhao’s restrained, resonant touch.
The countdown to Hamnet
As the release approaches, momentum continues to grow around Zhao’s latest. Her knack for stories that resonate on both an emotional and artistic level invites comparisons to Nomadland, while carving out a distinct space for this intimate period piece. Hamnet is poised to leave an enduring mark.