Hamnet

What a beautiful film. I loved everything about it: the setting, the costume design, the music, the composition, the cinematography, the acting, the story. It all wrapped around me like warmth, even as it broke my heart. The performances were mesmerising. Jessie Buckley and Paul Mescal were extraordinary, but that little boy, my God, his acting was devastatingly good. I adored Agnes and William’s relationship, so quietly beautiful, so full of understanding and distance and love all at once. There are so many scenes that are permanently etched into my mind. Goosebumps the entire time. Jessie Buckley’s performance was extraordinary. Paul Mescal was unforgettable.“To be or not to be — that is the question.” And the forest , oh my God, the symbolism was stunning. Agnes’s red dress was so beautiful. It stood out, just like her, bold and different. That one scene, where Will breaks down crying, oh I felt it. The Hamlet play was devastating. Truly devastating. That final scene, Agnes seeing how deeply the play moves people, realising that her son will live on, shattered me. And the gaze they share at the end, seeing their child reflected in the world… it hurts so much. And then, the son disappearing into the shadows. “It’s my boy. It’s my boy.” Wrap it up. I was sobbing, completely finished. The portrayal of grief was so tender and painfully honest. *“What do you see?” “Nothing.”* That line hurt in a way I can’t explain. “I give you my life, Jude.” “ I’ll be brave.” * *One of my favourite books receiving such a powerful, sensitive adaptation felt unreal. * * Absolutely devastating.