‘Hamnet’ by Maggie O’Farrell tells the powerful story of love and loss that inspired the creation of Shakespeare’s timeless masterpiece ‘Hamlet’.

I will stand by what I said as I left the gala: ‘Hamnet’ is not a movie you go and see but a movie you feel deep in your bones, in your body, in your heart and in your soul. ‘Hamnet’ is my favourite movie from the London Film Festival 2025. It will be the movie I will always remember when thinking of the festival.

Being lucky enough to attend the ‘Hamnet’ Gala felt like a dream. It will forever be an evening that I’ll treasure and not just because we were surprised by the appearances of Sam Mendes and Steven Spielberg (I still can’t believe I was a few meters away from them!) but because of Chloé Zhao herself and the cast of ‘Hamnet’.  Chloé’s introduction was one of the most emotional I have witnessed. She spoke with such sincerity, warmth and vulnerability that I found myself tearing up before the film started. 

To no one’s surprise I was recording (video will be on my page) but when Chloé invited the entire audience, cast, crew and guests to take part in a small exercise together I turned off my recording. I just knew I needed to be fully present in the moment. Chloé’s exercise shifted everything as it felt like the entire hall was connected the feelings, the breathing and being present together. It was a beautiful experience. 

Chloé has this aura surrounding her as her energy is calm, powerful, inspiring and listening to her reminded me that going to the cinema is an experience that is lived as it can unite, move, break and heal. I honestly could listen to Chloé talk for hours. 

From the moment the lights dimmed to the very last scene ‘Hamnet’ held me completely. I was mesmerised by what Chloé has created as it felt intimate, human, raw and felt. You could feel that Chloé poured her heart into it. It’s a masterpiece that you don’t just watch but you experience and feel it. I won’t spoil it for anyone just yet as I will have another review coming when it will be released that will include spoilers. 

‘Hamnet’ has performances that will take your breath away. Jessie Buckley as Agnes Shakespeare is simply extraordinary. Jessie portrays Agnes in such a fearless, raw, powerful and human way. There were moments where her vulnerability and emotion were so strong I felt like I was intruding as it was so real and private it felt overwhelming. Jessie’s portrayal left me with goosebumps and tears streaming down my face many times throughout the film. 

Paul Mescal as William Shakespeare was captivating. Paul managed to make William feel less like a literary legend and more like a man deeply in love, flawed, vulnerable and human. He portrayed William not only as a poet and playwright but as a husband, father and the man behind the words and plays. Paul and Jessie’s chemistry and connection felt real and made you believe in a love that could stand the test of time and tragedy.

I have to talk about Jacobi Jupe as Hamnet because he completely broke my heart. For someone so young his performance was so raw I couldn’t control my tears.  Jacobi’s expressions, his eyes, his silence were so overwhelming that his scenes are forever stuck in my mind. Even now thinking about them I’m starting to tear up. You’re probably thinking I’m exaggerating but just wait until you see it then you will understand. I do hope Jacobi will be considered for awards seasons because his acting is one of the best I have seen in a long time. 

The love between William and Agnes was so beautifully portrayed as it felt real, deeply felt and rooted in understanding and supporting one another. Jessie and Paul did such a wonderful job that I found myself wishing for a love like theirs one that is build on love, support and knowing you have everything if you have each other. 

‘Hamnet’ is breathtaking as Chloé’s use of nature , the sound of birds, the quiet moments, the connection with nature were nothing but incredible. It felt like every shot was thought with care and emotion. There were so many times where I was completely in awe with what I was seeing on screen. 

I never experienced a screening where emotions were so high and shared. Watching ‘Hamnet’ surrounded by everyone quietly sniffling and wiping their tears was both heartbreaking and healing at the same time. I won’t lie to you it’s a film that deeply hurts but it also a reminder that love and loss coexist and while grief is devastating is also healing in some ways. 

When the credits rolled the theatre erupted with applause. It felt like the whole hall felt the same emotions and we all were both in awe and heartbreak with what we have seen. I only wished that the cast and director were there to hear the applause and feel the emotions. 

‘Hamnet’ is emotionally gripping, visually stunning and it makes you go through all the emotions. It’s the kind of film that stays with you either by how it looked or by how it made you feel. I know I’m still thinking about it today a nearly two weeks later. I have a feeling it will be up for major awards.