Hamnet

Directed by Chloé Zhao, Hamnet explores the relationship that eventually forms between William Shakespeare (Paul Mescal) and Jessie Buckley’s Agnes – with the narrative primarily focusing on the tragedy that ensues involving their only son (Jacobi Jupe’s Hamnet). Filmmaker Zhao, armed with her and Maggie O’Farrell’s screenplay, delivers a slow-moving drama that is, for the most part, quite engaging and periodically spellbinding, as the picture, which runs a palpably overlong 126 minutes, benefits from its atmospheric visuals and raft of above-average performances – with, in terms of the latter, Buckley offering up a searing, emotionally-devastating turn that elevates the proceedings on a recurring basis. And though the movie boasts several standout moments within its first half, including a terrific sequence wherein Shakespeare relates the tale of Orpheus and Eurydice to Agnes, Hamnet progresses into a sluggish midsection that isn’t quite as affecting and enthralling as one might’ve hoped – with the film, at least, building towards a decidedly heartwrenching final stretch that ensures it concludes on a powerful, memorable note.

*** out of ****