In the introduction of Chloé Zhao’s latest film, it is revealed that during Shakespeare’s era, the names Hamnet and Hamlet were interchangeable. Shakespeare’s son, Hamnet, tragically passed away at the age of 11, approximately four years before the creation of the renowned play “Hamlet.” Many literary historians argue that the grief-stricken prince in “Hamlet,” driven to turmoil after encountering his deceased father’s ghost, draws inspiration from Hamnet’s untimely death.
Zhao’s poignant narrative delves into the heart-wrenching account of Shakespeare (portrayed by Paul Mescal) meeting and marrying Anne Hathaway (also known as Agnes, played by Jessie Buckley), enjoying a brief period of familial bliss, and then facing the devastating loss of their only son (skillfully portrayed by Jacobi Jupe). The film meticulously reconstructs the profound impact of this tragedy, emphasizing a sense of impending doom while overlooking traditional character development tropes.
Rather than focusing on character arcs, Zhao’s “Hamnet” vividly portrays the unfolding catastrophe akin to a biblical event. The film contrasts the joyful and serene moments before their son’s death with the unbearable stillness that follows, echoing the profound silence depicted in the conclusion of “Hamlet.”
Drawing parallels between the grief of Hamlet and Hamnet, scholars have long speculated on the personal influences in Shakespeare’s works, with Maggie O’Farrell, the author of the book on which “Hamnet” is based, acknowledging the ambiguity surrounding historical records. Despite theories attributing Hamnet’s demise to the bubonic plague or accidental drowning, the emphasis remains on Shakespeare’s literary legacy rather than his personal life.
O’Farrell’s narrative, brought to life by Zhao, aims to convey a universal tragedy rather than uncovering historical truths, resonating with the profound anguish of losing a child. Through evocative cinematography, Zhao captures the dreamlike essence of the story, juxtaposing moments of domesticity and artistic creation to explore the characters’ struggles and connections amidst grief.
In a departure from conventional happy endings, “Hamnet” and other recent films embrace the rawness of pain, offering solace through shared human experiences. While criticisms of emotional manipulation persist, Zhao’s restrained approach and the cast’s emotive performances elevate the film’s exploration of trauma and its reinterpretation of the “Hamlet” narrative.
By delving into the emotional depths of the characters and reimagining historical conjectures, “Hamnet” offers a poignant reflection on the enduring impact of loss and the complexities of grief, challenging traditional interpretations of Shakespeare’s iconic works.