Hamnet

In high school, there’s a good chance that you had to read Hamlet by William Shakespeare; regardless, you probably have seen the Lion King. But do you know the inspiration behind the play? Based on the book of the same name by Maggie O’Farrell, explore this historical fiction of Shakespeare’s life and the tragic death of his son, which inspired him to write Hamlet in his grief. Paul Mescal (Normal People, Gladiator 2) plays Shakespeare, Jessie Buckley (The Lost Daughter, Women Talking) plays his wife Agnes, with Chloé Zhao (Nomadland) directing. This was an emotional movie. You live in what feels like real time in the world they create as a family. It’s raw and gut-wrenching, so if you don’t like slow movies, this is the wrong movie for you. For what it lacks in pace, it’s so beautifully executed you almost don’t care. Buckley and Mescal are phenomenal, and if there’s no acclaim for them come award season, I will riot in the streets. Great choice if you like slow human interest movies, but if you don’t do heartbreak well, beware.

Rating: 4.5/5