In the initial moments of Chloé Zhao’s latest movie, a title card enlightens us that Hamnet and Hamlet were essentially interchangeable names in Shakespeare’s era. Shakespeare’s son, Hamnet, sadly passed away at the tender age of 11, approximately four years before Shakespeare composed his renowned play, Hamlet. Some literary experts speculate that Hamlet, which delves into the tale of a grief-stricken prince unraveling his life and kingdom upon encountering his deceased father’s ghost, draws inspiration from Hamnet’s demise.
Zhao’s poignant narrative revolves around Shakespeare (portrayed by Paul Mescal) meeting and marrying his wife, Anne Hathaway (referred to as Agnes in the film and played by Jessie Buckley), sharing fleeting moments of joy with their children, and then grappling with the heart-wrenching loss of their sole son (depicted maturely by Jacobi Jupe). The film meticulously reconstructs a world shattered by the devastating event, focusing more on the catastrophic impact rather than traditional character development.
The storyline unfolds in two distinct phases: a pre-tragedy period marked by simplicity and happiness, shadowed by Agnes’ ominous premonitions, juxtaposed against the audience’s foreknowledge of the impending sorrow. The aftermath of the son’s demise is depicted as an unbearable stillness, echoing Hamlet’s poignant final words in the play: “the rest is silence.”
The parallels between Hamlet’s grief and the speculated influence of Hamnet’s tragedy have sparked extensive theorization over the years. Maggie O’Farrell, the author behind the book that inspired the film, acknowledges the ambiguity surrounding historical records, particularly regarding Hamnet’s untimely death. While some sources attribute his demise to the bubonic plague, others suggest accidental drowning or unspecified illnesses prevalent during that era.
Scholars have traditionally prioritized Shakespeare’s literary works over his personal life, often marginalizing his familial relationships. O’Farrell’s Hamnet, and consequently Zhao’s interpretation, aim to illuminate the universal tragedy of losing a child rather than offering definitive historical truths. The film’s subtle yet evocative cinematography creates a dreamlike ambiance, blending pastoral scenes with moments of stark clarity.
The absence of direct consolation in Hamnet underscores the characters’ journey through grief and trauma, resonating with a thematic trend seen in recent award-winning films. Despite criticisms of emotional manipulation, the film’s portrayal of human experiences and reinterpretation of the Hamlet narrative provide a thought-provoking exploration of profound emotional depths.
Zhao’s deliberate narrative detachment and Buckley’s emotive performance occasionally border on clinical or melodramatic, yet these minor flaws are overshadowed by the film’s raw portrayal of human suffering. Hamnet challenges traditional perceptions of Hamlet, offering a unique perspective on the iconic character and his existential dilemmas. Ultimately, the film prompts contemplation on life’s inherent pains and the complex emotions that define our existence.
