Hamnet

A beautiful, atmospheric, and brilliantly crafted film that will stay with me for a long time. The most moving film of that year (the childbirth scene, Hamnet’s death, and the finale are among the most beautiful and tear-jerking scenes I have ever seen), which in my opinion is excellent in every respect. From the set design, cinematography, and costumes—which perfectly capture the atmosphere of England in those times—to the direction and screenplay, and finally the acting. Paul Mescal, in outstanding form, portrayed the character of William Shakespeare by showing his ambition, his beautiful love, and the pain of losing his son (sorry Delroy Lindo, but he should have been the one nominated for the Oscar, not you). The very young Jacobi Jupe brilliantly captured Hamnet’s courage, as well as his childlike wildness and joy—and sadly, also his suffering. And of course Jessie Buckley, who delivered one of the greatest acting performances of recent years—perhaps even of this century. Her emotions, facial expressions, and naturalness reach an almost unattainable level in this film. And that finale with the legendary music On the Nature of Daylight by Max Richter will stay with everyone long after the screening. Absolute cinema!