Hamnet

Umm, excuse me! Don't you mean Hamlet?

Why, right out of the starting gate, and someone's asking me this question.

No, Baxter. I mean Hamnet. You'll understand why once I explain the same-named movie, newly nominated for multiple Oscars, including the first ever Oscar for Casting. This has Chloe Zhao and Maggie O'Farrell adapt the latter's novel into screenplay form. Zhao, of course, also directed it.

Okay ...

So, there's this young Latin tutor (Paul Mescal) in the sixteenth century. We don't get his full name, until the end, but we realize right away that this is William Shakespeare himself. One day, he sees Agnes Hathaway (Jessie Buckley), a falconer and herbalist, walking by his students' house. They quickly fall for each other. They marry over the objections of their families; Will's, in particular, is aghast that he'd marry the daughter of a "forest witch." In due time, Will's writing career takes off, while he & Agnes have three kids - Susanna (Bodhi Rae Breathnach) and twins Hamnet (Jacobi Jupe) & Judith (Olivia Lynes). 

(Oh, so that's why it's called Hamnet.)

But this isn't a happy family movie. Will is often away at London writing for the Lord Chamberlain's Men. Judith gets the Black Plague and lies on her deathbed. Hamnet asks God to let him take her place and He obliges - Judith recovers and Hamnet dies. Will copes by writing Hamlet, a name we learn at the start was considered interchangeable with Hamnet, something Agnes picks up on. And she's not happy. Maybe she just needs to see what it's all about. Yeah, that's pretty much it.

You can probably tell that this will be a tough sit. I’ve heard for months how it left critics and audiences emotionally wrecked. It would disservice the subject matter if Hamnet’s death wasn’t the least bit devastating. That scene didn't disappoint, though it didn't leave me a sobbing mess. Sure, Hamnet & Judith had particularly nice chemistry, but they're fully introduced about an hour in, and it doesn't take long before the tragedy hits. It could have hit more if they were around longer, but I digress. I was more moved when Hamlet (Noah Jupe, Jacobi's big bro) gives his dying speech, which moves the entire Globe audience - Agnes included - to comfort him. It's quite a sight.

It's not all doom and gloom, though. In fact, Agnes and Will shine together from the moment they meet - even as she tries to shoo him off. Their subsequent romance and their family time is quite endearing. It’s quite funny to see Will humor the twins when they pull a twin-switch on him. It’s especially nice to see Mary (Emily Watson), Will’s mother, warm up to Agnes. They cope with Hamnet’s loss differently, though neither are wrong in their paths. Still, Agnes gets the biggest focus as we see her rebuild herself after the tragedy. As I said, it's quite rewarding when Agnes sees Hamlet.

Amongst the supporting cast, a few highlights include Joe Alwyn as Agnes's supportive brother Bartholomew, David Wilmot as Will's mean father John, and Justine Mitchell as Agnes's stepmom Joan. Breathnach, as Susanna, does her best with her limited narrative focus. Still, I thought the older Jupe was excellent as "Hamlet" (who, in real-life, was originated by Richard Burbage). You'll especially feel his frustrations when Will runs him ragged as they rehearse the play's "Get thee to a Nunnery" scene. They have a much friendlier, and moving, moment on-stage when Will plays the Ghost of King Hamlet. His final speech is a triumphant moment.

Max Richter's melancholic score was nominated today, but Lukasz Zal's ethereal cinematography wasn't. It's a pity, because paired together, they give us an exquisite experience. Its most emotional moments leave the camera running so everything can develop naturally. The makeup work used for the twins' sicknesses is appropriately disturbing, even if the overnight reversal is a bit questionable. It rightfully earned its last few nominations for its production and costume designs. Everything from the Globe Theatre to its patrons looks convincingly lived in; the stage Hamnet's spirit exits into is perfectly haunting.

Yes, Hamnet is emotional, but it might be more so if you know nothing about Shakespeare the man. That way, you can experience his every gut punch as hard as he does. It's still a pretty good film, and I can see why it's currently a top contender for Best Picture. I cordially invite you to see why for yourself. I think I've said enough.