Hamnet, the historical drama directed by Chloé Zhao starring Jessie Buckley and Paul Mescal, is available on CANAL+ on demand since October 6, 2026, with a subscription that includes the film. Adapted from Maggie O’Farrell’s novel, the movie traces the grief of Agnes and William Shakespeare after the death of their son.
In 16th-century England, Agnes shares her life with William Shakespeare, a young Latin tutor still far from the fame that awaits him. Their everyday life and family are profoundly unsettled by the loss of their son Hamnet, who dies at age 11. This tragedy gradually fuels the creation of a work that will endure for centuries: Hamlet.
Directed by Chloé Zhao and co-written with Maggie O’Farrell, the film centers on Agnes’s point of view. Jessie Buckley earned the Best Actress Oscar for her portrayal, opposite Paul Mescal as William Shakespeare.
Filming took place in England and at Elstree Studios, where the Globe Theatre was recreated. The cinematography is by Łukasz Żal, while Max Richter furnishes the score to accompany the narrative. The film is produced by Liza Marshall, Pippa Harris and Nicolas Gonda, with support from Sam Mendes and Steven Spielberg.
To go further, also check out our selection of CANAL+ on-demand novelties for October 2026, our guide to streaming releases across all platforms, and today’s pick: What to watch today on streaming.
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