Directed by Chloé Zhao and co-written with Maggie O’Farrell, Hamnet is an Anglo-American historical drama starring Paul Mescal, Jessie Buckley, and Emily Watson. Based on Maggie O’Farrell’s highly acclaimed, award-winning novel of the same name, the film is set to hit French theaters on January 21, 2026. Located in Elizabethan England, it reflects the director’s intimate storytelling style, blending a sweeping historical narrative with a sensory exploration of grief.
In 1580s England, a struggling young Latin teacher crosses paths with Agnes, a free-spirited woman with a deep connection to nature. Their instant chemistry sparks an intense relationship that quickly leads to marriage and the birth of three children. As Will gradually drifts away from home to pursue his dreams as a playwright in London, Agnes stays at the heart of domestic life, shouldering the family responsibilities alone.
The distance, followed by the tragedy that strikes the couple, shakes up their delicate balance. Facing an irreversible loss, Agnes and Will undergo a hardship that tests their relationship but also uncovers the enduring strength of their bond. The film delves into how personal grief can be woven into artful expression, all while remaining rooted in the human and familial perspective of its characters.
Hamnet is an adaptation of Maggie O’Farrell’s eighth novel, which won the National Book Critics Circle Award and the Women’s Prize for Fiction. It was also named one of the top books of 2020 by the New York Times Book Review. The project was launched in 2019 by producer Liza Marshall (Hera Pictures), joined by Pippa Harris (Neal Street Productions) and Nicolas Gonda (Book of Shadows), with backing from Sam Mendes and Steven Spielberg through Amblin Entertainment.
Chloé Zhao was chosen to direct, appreciated for her sensitive and minimalist storytelling style, which diverges from traditional historical reenactments. Filming took place in England, primarily at Elstree Studios, with a strong focus on authentic set design—ranging from the family home to a recreated Globe Theatre, built using recycled materials and archaeological research.
Jessie Buckley plays Agnes, the story's central character, drawing on intense internal reflection to bring her to life. Paul Mescal takes on the role of a deliberately unromanticized William Shakespeare. Emily Watson adds depth to the cast with a memorable supporting role. Łukasz Żal’s cinematography favors natural lighting and close-up shots, while Max Richter provides an original score that enhances the film’s atmosphere.
With its contemplative pace and themes of grief, marital love, and artistic creation, Hamnet resonates with viewers who appreciate intimate historical dramas. The film echoes the sensibilities found in works by Terrence Malick or Chloé Zhao’s earlier films, while engaging thoughtfully with Shakespearean heritage without turning it into myth.
Hamnet
Film | 2026
Release in theaters: January 21, 2026
Drama | Duration: 2h05
Directed by Chloé Zhao | Starring Paul Mescal, Jessie Buckley, Emily Watson
Original Title: Hamnet
Countries: UK, USA
With this adaptation, Chloé Zhao offers a cinematic interpretation focused on the personal, where familial roots form the foundation for a reflection on the emergence of a key work in Western theater.
To keep the movie magic going, check out the January film releases, explore the must-see movies of the moment, and browse our selection of the top historical films of the year.
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