Whatever Wednesday - Hamnet

 Lots of buzz for Hamnet. Golden Globe nominations, etc. 

This was a very intense, rather sad, but a wow movie.  The acting was superb. 

Directed by Chloe Zhao and based on the book by Maggie O'Farrell (who also co-wrote the screenplay with Zhao), Hamnet is a fictionalized version of the creation of the famous Shakespeare play Hamlet. 

We watch William Shakespeare (a magnetic Paul Mescal - oh, his eyes) fall head over heels for Agnes (Jessie Buckley - tremendous).  He's off to London to try to pursue this playwriting thing.  She's home with children. She's a strong woman, known for her forestry skills and wildness. She has to deal with his mother, Mary (a strong Emily Watson).   When Will's home, Agnes and he are a hot passion on screen. 

Agnes has to deal with "the pestilence" when it hits her eleven year old twins - Judith and Hamnet.  Alas, Hamnet ( a superb young actor Jacobi Jupe) dies (this is true in 1596).  She mourns.  She thinks Will doesn't care.  

Only when she goes to London and witnesses Will's new play Hamlet does she realize the depth of his mourning.  (cool fact - the young man playing Hamlet (Noah Jupe) on screen is the much older brother of the young actor playing Hamnet. Lots of talent in that family)

Have your tissues ready.  This film is quite intense and just hits the gut at multiple times.  Gotta love creative cinema.  Kudos.