Photo: AP

At the 2025 Toronto International Film Festival (TIFF), audiences were deeply moved by the premiere of Chloé Zhao’s newest film, Hamnet. Known for her sensitive and naturalistic filmmaking style, Zhao co-wrote the script with Maggie O’Farrell, the author of the novel on which the movie is based.

The story focuses on William Shakespeare and his family, exploring the profound grief that follows the death of his 11-year-old son, Hamnet. It’s a story of love, loss, and healing that resonates with viewers of all ages.

Starring Jessie Buckley as Agnes (Hamnet’s mother) and Paul Mescal as Shakespeare, the film has received widespread praise for its emotional depth and remarkable performances.

The Story Behind the Film

Hamnet is not a typical historical film about Shakespeare. Instead, Zhao focuses on the personal lives of his family. The story portrays Shakespeare and Agnes as ordinary parents facing extraordinary grief.

The film is set in the English countryside, away from the theater and the public life Shakespeare is known for. Zhao wanted the story to feel personal and intimate. She says the film is about the human side of loss, showing how a family deals with pain and how love helps them heal.

Zhao has mentioned that making this film was emotionally challenging. She had to immerse herself in the story’s sadness to create authentic performances. She also guided the actors through intense emotional scenes, ensuring that every moment felt real and heartfelt.

Chloé Zhao’s Filmmaking Style

Zhao is known for her naturalistic style, using real locations and allowing actors to express themselves freely. She often blends real-life experiences with scripted storytelling, which gives her films a feeling of honesty and intimacy.

For Hamnet, Zhao worked closely with the actors, letting them develop their characters naturally. She encouraged improvisation to make the scenes more lifelike. The result is a film that feels genuine, where viewers can almost feel the emotions of the characters as if they were living them themselves.

Zhao described the filming process as therapeutic. She explained that creating the movie helped her process emotions and allowed the cast to connect deeply with the story. This approach is why the film has such a strong emotional impact on its audience.

The Cast’s Performances

Jessie Buckley and Paul Mescal deliver outstanding performances in Hamnet. Buckley plays Agnes, a mother navigating her grief while trying to hold her family together. Her portrayal is tender, heartfelt, and believable, capturing the pain of losing a child.

Mescal plays Shakespeare, a father struggling to cope with loss while facing societal expectations. His performance is quiet yet powerful, showing restraint and deep emotional complexity. Together, the two actors create a realistic and moving depiction of a grieving family.

Buckley has said that Zhao’s direction was intuitive and sensitive. Zhao’s ability to guide actors without imposing strict control allowed the performances to feel spontaneous and alive. Both Buckley and Mescal mentioned that Zhao’s approach reminded them of classic filmmakers known for deep character exploration, such as Wong Kar-wai and Luchino Visconti.

Themes and Emotions

The main theme of Hamnet is grief and healing. The story explores how loss affects every member of a family differently and how they find ways to support each other. It also shows how love and art can provide comfort during hard times.

Zhao has said that one of the most challenging parts of the film was capturing the raw emotions of grief without making it overwhelming for the audience. She used subtle expressions, body language, and quiet moments to convey the depth of sorrow, rather than relying on dramatic outbursts.

Another important theme is the power of memory and legacy. The death of Hamnet becomes a turning point for the family. Shakespeare channels his grief into writing, showing how art can serve as a bridge between trauma and expression. This aspect of the film connects the personal story to Shakespeare’s timeless works, adding layers of meaning for the audience.

Cinematic Techniques

Hamnet is visually striking. Zhao uses natural lighting and authentic locations to create a realistic and immersive atmosphere. The English countryside is depicted in all its beauty and serenity, contrasting with the intense emotions of the family.

The cinematography also emphasizes intimacy. Close-ups on the characters’ faces allow viewers to connect deeply with their feelings. Long, lingering shots of empty rooms, gardens, and landscapes convey the quietness and loneliness that follow a loss.

Zhao’s careful attention to detail ensures that every scene contributes to the emotional journey. Even small gestures, like a mother holding a child’s toy or a father walking alone in the fields, carry symbolic weight.

Audience Reaction at TIFF

At the TIFF premiere, the audience was visibly moved. Some viewers were in tears, while others were silent, absorbed in the story. Zhao even led a short breathing exercise before the screening to help the audience connect with the emotions of the film.

Critics praised the film for its honest portrayal of grief and the exceptional performances of the cast. Many noted that Zhao’s approach to storytelling made the audience feel as though they were witnessing real people rather than characters in a movie.

The emotional resonance of Hamnet shows Zhao’s talent for capturing universal human experiences. Even those who are not familiar with Shakespeare or the historical context could relate to the feelings of love, loss, and family bonds.

Historical and Literary Background

The story of Hamnet is inspired by Shakespeare’s life. Hamnet, the son of William Shakespeare and Agnes Hathaway, died at a young age. While historical records about his life are limited, the novel by Maggie O’Farrell imagines the personal and emotional impact of his death on his parents.

Zhao adapted this story into a screenplay, focusing on the universal human emotions rather than historical accuracy. This approach allows viewers to connect emotionally with the characters, even if they do not know the details of Shakespeare’s life.

The film also highlights the role of women in history. Agnes is portrayed as strong, intelligent, and emotionally complex. She is not just a supporting character but a central figure who shapes the narrative.

Preparing for Release

Hamnet will be released in theaters on November 27, 2025, through Focus Features. Zhao’s team has emphasized that the film is designed to be a cinematic experience, encouraging viewers to watch it on the big screen to fully appreciate the visual and emotional depth.

The film’s release is highly anticipated, with many critics predicting that it could receive awards recognition for its performances, direction, and cinematography.

Chloé Zhao’s Hamnet is more than just a historical drama. It is a moving story of love, grief, and healing, brought to life by outstanding performances and sensitive direction. Zhao’s naturalistic style and attention to emotional detail create a film that resonates deeply with viewers, leaving a lasting impression.

With its release later this year, Hamnet is expected to become one of the most talked-about films of 2025. Audiences can look forward to a cinematic journey that explores the human heart in all its complexity, reminding us of the enduring power of family, love, and art.