Imagine the heartache of losing a child in the most brutal way imaginable—only to channel that sorrow into one of the world's most enduring literary masterpieces. That's the gripping premise behind 'Hamnet,' a film that dares to humanize the legendary William Shakespeare by exploring the personal tragedy that may have birthed his iconic play Hamlet. But here's where it gets controversial: is this artistic interpretation fact or fiction? Stick around as we dive into the screenplay that could change how you view the Bard forever.
Deadline's beloved 'Read the Screenplay' series is back, shining a spotlight on the scripts powering this awards season's buzzworthy films. This time, we're turning our attention to Hamnet, a poignant romantic drama helmed by acclaimed director Chloé Zhao. Zhao teamed up with novelist Maggie O'Farrell—the author of the inspiring book Hamnet: A Novel of the Plague—to adapt it into a screenplay that has audiences and critics alike talking.
The movie made its debut at the prestigious Telluride Film Festival and scooped up the People's Choice Award at the Toronto Film Festival, hinting at major accolades to come. And oh, did they! The film has snagged an impressive 11 nominations for the Critics Choice Awards, including nods for Best Picture and Best Adapted Screenplay. It also earned six Golden Globe nominations in those same coveted categories, plus a spot on the AFI's Top 10 Movies of 2025. Theatrical audiences started flocking to theaters on November 26, eager to witness this emotional rollercoaster.
At the heart of the story are the talented performances from Jessie Buckley as Agnes, Paul Mescal as Will Shakespeare, and young Jacobi Jupe as Hamnet Shakespeare. This tale, which tugs at the heartstrings, reimagines the short life and untimely death of Hamnet, who falls victim to the bubonic plague at just 11 years old. For those new to history, the bubonic plague—often called the Black Death—was a devastating epidemic spread by fleas on rats, wiping out millions in Europe during Shakespeare's era. It's believed that this profound loss deeply shaped the playwright, motivating him to pen his timeless tragedy Hamlet.
Yet, the true focal point of the narrative is Agnes Hathaway, historically referred to as Anne Hathaway but called Agnes here in both the novel and film. Buckley brings her to life as a vibrant, nature-loving woman with a knack for herbal remedies—a mystical figure who stands out as an outsider in her tight-knit community. Think of her as someone who might remind you of modern herbalists or eco-warriors, blending intuition with traditional wisdom to heal and connect with the world around her.
The opening section of the film spends considerable time delving into the fiery, non-traditional romance and union of Agnes and Will, a budding Latin teacher grappling with an oppressive father. It paints a picture of two creative spirits drawn together magnetically, forming a bond that's intense and exhilarating at first, but eventually tested by life's hardships.
The story's momentum builds around Hamnet's heartbreaking demise, offering raw, unflinching portrayals of the family's immediate anguish—especially Agnes's, as she's left to cope in Stratford while Will pursues his ambitions in bustling London. And this is the part most people miss: how grief can fracture even the strongest relationships. The parents' shared sorrow becomes a solitary burden, with Will channeling his pain into his writing and Agnes withdrawing inward, struggling to bridge the emotional gap caused by his more cerebral approach to mourning.
As the film reaches its climax, it embraces the intriguing idea that Shakespeare poured his anguish over Hamnet into Hamlet, crafting a literary tribute through tragedy. We see Agnes sneaking into the play's inaugural showing, initially reeling from the appropriation of her son's name as a seeming act of betrayal. But gradually, she discovers a layered acknowledgment and path to healing in the art's redemptive force.
What makes this screenplay a standout is its ability to demystify a literary giant. By peeling back the layers of 'The Bard' persona, it delivers an intimate, heartfelt saga centered on a mother, a father, and the crushing toll of their child's life and passing. It posits that this personal family drama fueled a literary legend, blending raw emotion with cultural impact.
Now, before we get to the screenplay itself, let's stir the pot a bit. Historically, while Shakespeare did have a son named Hamnet who died young, the exact link to Hamlet remains debated—some scholars argue it could be coincidental, while others see it as a creative nod. Is Zhao and O'Farrell's take on this a respectful reimagining or an overreach into speculative fiction? Do you think personal tragedies truly shape art in such profound ways, or is it just romantic myth-making? Share your thoughts in the comments—agree, disagree, or add your own takes!
Read the screenplay below.
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