In the upcoming film “Hamnet,” Paul Mescal portrays a grieving William Shakespeare, whose deep sorrow over the loss of his son Hamnet serves as the catalyst for his creation of “Hamlet.” The film, directed by Chloé Zhao and shot by cinematographer Łukasz Żal, delves into the stark contrasts between Shakespeare and his wife, Agnes, depicted by Jessie Buckley.
From their first introduction, the filmmakers highlight Agnes’s free-spirited nature against Shakespeare’s internal struggle. Žal notes that while Agnes exists in an open, lively environment, Will is often confined within the walls of his family home, which reflects his mental state. The small windows symbolize his suffocation and emotional entrapment.
As the narrative progresses, the vibrant colors of their romance begin to fade in the wake of their son’s death. The visual language shifts significantly, with scenes becoming darker and more isolating. Žal describes a profound sense of loneliness between the couple, where the camera movement slows, creating a palpable discomfort that mirrors their emotional disconnect.
Costume designer Malgosia Turzanska also interprets Will’s evolving character through her designs. She used sportswear as a base, padding his clothing for protection during his troubled home life. Small slashes in the sleeves illustrate the gradual increase in his emotional wounds. A notable detail includes a toothpick necklace, symbolizing his father’s persistent emotional abuse.
Upon Hamnet’s passing, Shakespeare heads to London to complete “Hamlet.” At the Globe Theatre, he portrays the ghost, dressed in linen and covered in clay, which represents his broken state. As the story unfolds, the clay serves as a physical manifestation of his grief, and during a pivotal scene, his character washes it off, signifying a moment of liberation.
Max Richter’s score enhances this narrative depth, capturing Will’s emotional breakdown with a haunting choral backdrop, likened to a “moonless night.” Mescal, who found excitement in showcasing the spectrum of his character’s emotions, emphasizes the importance of portraying the deep love between Will and Agnes, which intensifies the feeling of their eventual disconnection.
The film promises to be a poignant exploration of love, loss, and the artistic process, highlighting the transformative power of grief and its impact on creativity. This portrayal not only reflects a significant chapter in Shakespeare’s life but also resonates with universal themes of human experience, suggesting that even in the depths of despair, there can be a path to emotional freedom and artistic expression.