MOVIE REVIEW: HAMNET

 

William Shakespeare and his wife, Agnes, celebrate the birth of their son, Hamnet. However, when tragedy strikes and Hamnet dies at a young age, it inspires Shakespeare to write his timeless masterpiece "Hamlet."

Director: Chloé Zhao

Cast: Jessie Buckley, Paul Mescal, Emily Watson, Joe Alwyn, Jacobi Jupe, David Wilmot, Olivia Lynes

Release Date: November 26, 2025 

Genre: Biography, Drama, History, Romance

Rated PG-13 for thematic content, some strong sexuality, and partial nudity.

Runtime: 2h 5m

Review:

Chloé Zhao’s Hamnet is a historical drama that takes you on an enveloping emotional journey that’s as uplifting as it is devastating thanks in large part to a mesmerizing turn from Jessie Buckley.  Zhao’s film is a study in subtly from the start as she holds images and frames the characters in a way that makes them look like they could be renaissance paintings.  She uses her ability to create a naturalistic look and feel to great effect here as there are countless quiet moments shared between characters and their environment to communicate a venerable treasure trove of emotional information.  Her direction gives the film a primal but utterly humanistic aura which creates an engrossing world for the characters to inhabit.  The central duo of Paul Mescal and Jessie Buckley are both clearly in their element with each instantly inhabiting the skin of each character and living it with an impressive level of authenticity.  Mescal’s turn is a study in measured, understatement as we follow his character go from unrealized “useless” scholar to a successful playwright.  Through it all, he brings a sense of undying love for his wife and children although there’s a sense of restraint especially after tragedy strikes.  It’s not the beefiest role in the film but he delivers excellent work in every time he’s onscreen.  Jessie Buckley though is the lifeblood of the film with a truly astonishing turn that runs through an obstacle course of emotions.  Buckley always brings an intelligence and intensity to her roles which is perfectly suited to this role.  She brings something otherworldly to the character that’s enchanting from the moment she appears onscreen.  The opening sequences of infatuation and love ring just as true as the heartbreaking moment of loss.  She’s captivating throughout with the final act serving as a showcase for her talents with character’s catharsis is laid bared onscreen.  It’s the kind of the singular performance that’s sure to garner many well-earned awards accolades when the time comes as she makes Hamnet a powerful experience that’s sure to leave a lasting impression.

A

MOVIE REVIEW: ETERNALS

 

The Eternals, a race of immortal beings with superhuman powers who have secretly lived on Earth for thousands of years, reunite to battle the evil Deviants.

Director: Chloé Zhao

Cast: Gemma Chan, Richard Madden, Kumail Nanjiani, Lia McHugh, Brian Tyree Henry, Lauren Ridloff, Barry Keoghan, Don Lee, Harish Patel, Kit Harington, Salma Hayek, Angelina Jolie

Release Date: November 5, 2021

Genre: Action, Adventure, Drama, Fantasy, Sci-Fi

Rated PG-13 for fantasy violence and action, some language and brief sexuality.

Runtime: 2h 37m

Review:

Chloé Zhao’s Eternals is one of the more interesting entries in the ongoing Marvel series.  The mash up of Zhao’s naturalistic style and superhero tropes results in a character focused film that’s more interested in the smaller moments than big action sequences.  As such, it has a different feel than most of these films do while still accomplishing the usual Marvel albeit at a glacial pace.  It has an odd pace that drains the proceedings of any urgency even though it’s literally dealing with end of the world stakes.  Intermixing flashbacks with present day events drains the film of any sense of forward momentum since neither section get enough time to gain any sort of real traction.  Luckily the incredibly diverse cast makes the slog more bearably with earnest performances.  Gemma Chan and Richard Madden do the heavy lifting for the majority of the film with each providing a steady stoicism to their duo. The large supporting cast each get their moments to shine during the film with Lia McHugh, Brian Tyree Henry and Barry Keoghan leaving the biggest impressions.  Angelina Jolie does well as the tortured warrior whose being crushed under the weight of her memories.  Salma Hayek gets a scant few moments to shine but ultimately the film waste her with an underwritten role.  Eternals tries hard to be sweeping and epic but it never really achieves it, only skirting with it during it’s hefty runtime. 

B-

MOVIE REVIEW: NOMADLAND

 

A woman embarks on a journey through the American West after losing everything during the recession.

Director: Chloé Zhao

Cast: Frances McDormand, David Strathairn, Linda May, Swankie, Bob Wells

Release Date: February 19, 2021

Genre: Drama

Rated R for some full nudity.

Runtime: 1 h 48 min

Review:

Chloé Zhao’s Nomadland is a dreamlike portrait of grief and self realization.  Her film is methodically paced travelogue through the country through the eyes of a forgotten population.  At the center of the entire film is Frances McDormand who delivers an understated multilayered performance that anchors the film.  McDormand’s ability to channel an authentic everywoman is on par with Tom Hanks.  It’s a talent that fits this role perfectly and she delivers one of the most authentic and grounded performances of her career.  She emotes an immense amount of emotional information with gestures or looks with the script keeping dialogue at a minimum.  The supporting cast is a mixture of non actors and familiar character actors like David Strathairn.  Strathairn is equally understated as the love interest in the thickest story thread in the film.  McDormand’s work with non actors Linda May, Swankie and Bob Wells feels improvised giving portions of the film an almost documentary feel.  The story introspective journey is deeply personal but universal at the same time which gives the film its emotional impact.

A