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Chloé Zhao’s Hamnet Draws Strong TIFF Response as Awards Push Takes Shape

Paul Mescal’s advocacy led Zhao to adapt Maggie O’Farrell’s novel with a focus on domestic grief.

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Chloe Zhao arrives for the Ninth Breakthrough Prize Ceremony at the Academy Museum of Motion Pictures in Los Angeles, California, U.S., April 15, 2023. REUTERS/Aude Guerrucci/File Photo
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Overview

  • After a Telluride world premiere, the film held its Canadian premiere at TIFF on Sunday to enthusiastic reactions and early awards talk.
  • Focus Features set a U.S. rollout for late 2025 with a limited opening on Nov. 27 followed by a nationwide release on Dec. 12.
  • Jessie Buckley’s performance as Agnes earned standout praise, with critics highlighting the film’s intimate, family-centered perspective.
  • Zhao described a deliberate stylistic shift toward stillness and interiority, saying she confined herself to one stage and one family for this story.
  • Mescal, who plays William Shakespeare, urged Zhao to take on the project; O’Farrell co-wrote the script, which reframes the tale through Agnes while acknowledging scholars have not proved a direct link between Hamnet and Hamlet.