Hamnet

Tropic Sprockets by Ian Brockway

[mr_rating_result]

Chloé Zhao (“Nomadland”) takes us into the realm of semifictional Shakespeare in an adaptation of Maggie O’Farrell’s historical novel Hamnet. The film is rich and emotive, chock full of symbolism and Gothic detail on par with the work of Thomas Hardy. Brimming with high energy and drama, with superlative performances, the film takes us vividly into the realm of Shakespearean What ifs with some knotty problems and supernatural spooks.

Tutor William Shakespeare (Paul Mescal) sees Agnes (Jessie Buckley), said to be a kind of sorceress, summon a hawk and he is immediately smitten.

Will and Agnes become magnetized lovers akin to Romeo and Juliet. Will’s family is adamantly opposed to the romance, everyone thinking Agnes a witch of the woods who lives by paganist rule.

Agnes becomes pregnant with twins Hamnet (Jacobi Jupe) and Judith (Olivia Lynes). Both Judith and Hamnet are extremely close and connected.

Then disaster strikes.

Judith becomes ill with pestilence and a purple boil on her neck. She has trouble breathing and turns a blue gray. Terrified to lose his sister, Hamnet makes a deal with Death begging him to spare Judith, stating that he is willing to take her place.

Hamnet is stricken, becoming ashen with convulsions.

Agnes is inconsolable.

Will is away from his home working on his plays and busy with a theater company. Needless to say, the two grow apart.

The scenes of sickness are hair-raising, similar to possession. Menace and shadows prevail.

Unbeknownst to Agnes, William is working on a play called Hamlet, as a kind of severe penance for the guilt regarding his son.

Agnes gets word of production and is overwhelmed by the Phantom of her son Hamnet.

Jessie Buckley is extraordinary as the haunted Agnes overwhelmed by ghosts. In parallel, Paul Mescal is uncanny as a young tortured but driven William Shakespeare.

The narrative contains a witchy yet heartfelt tone that would make any fan of the Scottish play proud. The film puts the larger-than-life figure in the realm of a real living fairy tale, yet we are also aware of The Bard’s flesh and blood with charge, spirit, and genuine heart.

One is sure to see the flickering shade of “Hamnet” during this year’s award season. Swift and nerve-jangling, it is one of Chloé Zhao’s best films.

Write Ian at ianfree11@yahoo.com