Hamnet
Keep your heart open
I saw this yesterday and have been putting off writing this review because I honestly don’t know how to put into words how I feel about this film. Everything was masterfully executed, from the cinematography to the outstanding performances from every cast member. I was particularly amazed by Jessie’s raw performance and Jacobi who played little Hamnet with some of the best child acting I have ever seen. And don’t even get me started that Jacobi, who plays Hamnet, and Noah who plays Hamlet in the play being brothers in real life?!?! I can’t.
While this film is unrelenting in its message of grief and death, its voice of love, relationships, life, and hope is equally as poignant. It reminds you of what lengths you would go for those you love and to what depths you might go when you will someday lose them. It is one of those films that when the credits begin to roll, you get a renewed devotion to your own loved ones and to hold them close while you still can. This feeling was palpable in the theater, sitting in silence as the post credit music played, reflecting on what we experienced as a group of strangers, but connected as humans together.
From the second I saw the trailer for this film, I knew it would be a standout and I’m glad I wasn’t wrong or disappointed. It even exceeded my expectations, with Max Richter’s beautiful score and use of his song (one of my favorite songs ever) On the Nature of Daylight at the ending being the cherry on top.