Oscar-winner Chloé Zhao is back with what critics are calling one of the most emotionally powerful films of 2025. Hamnet, starring Jessie Buckley and Paul Mescal, explores the tragic story behind Shakespeare’s greatest masterpiece—and it’s already generating serious Oscar buzz after winning the People’s Choice Award at the Toronto International Film Festival.
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Hamnet Movie: Facts
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| US Limited Release | November 26, 2025 |
| Wide Release | December 12, 2025 |
| UK Release | January 9, 2026 |
| Director | Chloé Zhao (Nomadland, Eternals) |
| Stars | Jessie Buckley, Paul Mescal |
| Runtime | 2 hours 5 minutes |
| Based On | Maggie O’Farrell’s 2020 novel |
| Rotten Tomatoes | 87% (Critics Score) |
| Festival Premiere | Telluride Film Festival (Aug 29, 2025) |
What Is Hamnet About?
Based on Maggie O’Farrell’s award-winning novel, Hamnet tells the heartbreaking story of William Shakespeare and his wife Agnes Hathaway as they cope with the death of their 11-year-old son, Hamnet. The film explores how this devastating loss inspired Shakespeare to write Hamlet, his most famous tragedy.
Rather than focusing on Shakespeare as a literary icon, the film portrays him as a young, flawed father grappling with unimaginable grief. Critics describe it as an intimate portrait of love, loss, and the creative process—a story about how art emerges from pain.
Cast: Who Stars in Hamnet?
Jessie Buckley shines as Agnes Hathaway, delivering what many critics call a career-defining performance. Buckley brings raw emotion and depth to Shakespeare’s wife, capturing both the joy of motherhood and the agony of loss.
Paul Mescal (Normal People, Gladiator II) portrays William Shakespeare not as a theatrical legend but as a passionate young man devastated by tragedy. His nuanced performance has earned widespread acclaim.
The supporting cast includes Emily Watson, Joe Alwyn, Jacobi Jupe, and Noah Jupe, with Steven Spielberg and Sam Mendes serving as producers.
Critical Reception & Awards Buzz
Hamnet premiered at the Telluride Film Festival and won the prestigious People’s Choice Award at the Toronto International Film Festival—an accolade often predictive of Oscar success. With an 87% Rotten Tomatoes score and 92/100 on Metacritic, critics are praising its emotional depth, stunning cinematography, and powerhouse performances.
Reviews describe the film as “devastating,” “raw,” and “one of the most emotionally shattering movies in years.” Expect major Oscar nominations for Buckley, Mescal, and Zhao’s direction.
How to Watch Hamnet
In Theaters (US):
- Limited Release: November 26, 2025 in select theaters
- Wide Release: December 12, 2025 nationwide
Check Fandango or your local theater for showtimes. As a limited release film, Hamnet will initially screen only in major markets before expanding.
International Release:
- UK: January 9, 2026 via Universal Pictures
- Australia: January 15, 2026
Streaming: No streaming date announced yet, but Focus Features titles typically arrive on platforms like Peacock or digital rental services 45-90 days after theatrical release.
For more award-winning drama films and upcoming releases, stay tuned to TechnoSports.
FAQs
Q: Is Hamnet based on a true story?
A: It’s historical fiction based on real people. William Shakespeare did have a son named Hamnet who died at age 11 in 1596, and many scholars believe this tragedy inspired Hamlet. However, the emotional details are imagined by author Maggie O’Farrell.
Q: Do I need to know Shakespeare to enjoy the film?
A: No! While Shakespeare fans will appreciate references to Hamlet, the film focuses on universal themes of grief, love, and parenthood. It’s an emotional human story accessible to all audiences.
