Hamlet’s Hidden Story: A Family Affair

So, did you know that before squaring off with the likes of ghosts and existential crises in The Tragedy of Hamlet, Prince of Denmark, William Shakespeare had a son named Hamnet? Yep, that’s right! The poor kid seems to be the star of the longest running Shakespeare play in history—tragedy! It’s like a Shakespearean sitcom where he’s always offstage while the real drama unfolds with his family. Seriously, can you imagine the backstage gossip?

Enter the Women Behind the Man

Now, here comes Maggie O’Farrell and Chloé Zhao, strutting their stuff with the film Hamnet. But don’t expect a traditional tale of the great bard himself! This flick shines a spotlight on the family Shakespeare left behind, especially his wife, Anne Hathaway. And by the way, she’s not just the famous actress we know today; this Anne lived a totally different kind of drama in 16th century England.

Agnes: The Strong Woman at the Heart

Played by the amazing Jessie Buckley, Anne (or Agnes, as she’s known and cheerfully pronounced “Anyers”) is essentially the MVP of this saga. She gets what’s expected of a woman in her time—think domestic goddess with a twist of rebellion! Gossip has it that she’s the daughter of a witch. Who wouldn’t want a bit of that mystique? While she’s stuck dealing with nature and her pesky stepfamily, she connects with a dashing young tutor-poet (Paul Mescal) who’s about to shake up England not just with sonnets but quite possibly the most famous tragedy ever.

A Marriage Made in… What Were We Talking About?

But romantic dreams quickly hit a wall as duty becomes the big buzzkill in their rushed marriage. It’s Agnes encouraging Will to chase his dreams in London, away from the smothering expectations of his family. Meanwhile, she’s home raising their kids, who—plot twist—actually seem to agree with the laws of the universe, like not wanting to lose their dad to the plague.

When Tragedy Strikes

Drama ensues when the terrifying bubonic plague crashes their party. Spoiler alert: it’s not the festive kind. Will is stuck in London while his family faces the unthinkable. The tension builds, guilt spirals, and the poetic chaos of life turns into pure Shakespearean tragedy. Cue heart-wrenching moments and lifelong regrets influencing a timeless classic.

Creative Differences: The Story We Didn’t Know

I haven’t read O’Farrell’s book, but rumor has it she and Zhao took some bold creative liberties. The film opts for a linear approach that makes you feel all the feels—like a Hallmark movie but with more melancholy and fewer cats. They start from the spark of love between Agnes and Will and lead us through the heartache of their distant marriage.

More Than a Love Story

While you might think Hamnet would play like Miramax’s Shakespeare in Love, it’s actually showing us the gritty side of a true partnership rather than a whimsical rom-com. It’s a well-constructed love story focused on the reality of their lives rather than just Shakespeare’s success in the spotlight.

Between Poetry and Reality

Buckley’s performance adds layers to this portrayal of loss—making it relatable and heartbreakingly real. As Agnes grapples with motherhood and her crumbling dreams, we see her transform from a free spirit to a woman bound by the harsh realities of her time. And of course, when the plague strikes, the poetic narrative shines as their lives take a dramatic turn.

The Climax: A Family’s Legacy

We get to see the tender moments where it all collides—Agnes’s realities versus Will’s theatrical world. Mescal, as the playwright, gives a fresh take on Shakespeare, not just a charismatic genius but a flawed individual grappling with his own demons. And when it comes to that iconic monologue, fear not; it’s nothing short of epic, tying the story back to the heart of a mother’s love.

The Final Curtain

So, mark your calendars! Hamnet opens in the U.S. on Nov. 27 and January 9 in the UK. Get ready for a cinematic experience that’s equal parts riveting and devastating, as it delves into the heart of one of history’s most famed playwrights and the deeper narrative that far too often remains in the shadows.