Focus Features is preparing for the eagerly awaited limited release of Chloé Zhao’s Hamnet. Save the date for November 27, 2023! This powerful new drama plunges us into the world of William Shakespeare’s wife Agnes as she comes to terms with the tragic loss of their only son. As a result, it’s already making huge waves in the awards circuit buzz. After a limited theatrical run, Hamnet will reach homes across the country on December 12.
Chloé Zhao, known for her Oscar-winning pioneering work on Nomadland, directs the picture. She brings to life Maggie O’Farrell’s 2020 bestselling novel, which goes by the same name. Zhao co-wrote the screenplay with O’Farrell, creating a narrative that intertwines personal tragedy with the backdrop of Shakespeare’s creative journey in writing Hamlet. The true storytelling magic lies in the film’s poignant exploration of grief and resilience. It stands as an important cinematic representation of a contemporary figure buried in the shadow of her husband’s literary renown.
A Star-Studded Cast
Hamnet boasts an outstanding ensemble cast, led by Jessie Buckley as Agnes, with Paul Mescal, Emily Watson and Joe Alwyn. Every single performance is great, and every single performer enhances their character and the emotionally gut-punching film as a whole. Buckley, in particular, has garnered acclaim for her performances in previous projects, making her portrayal of Agnes a focal point of interest for audiences and critics alike.
These casting choices are a testament to Zhao’s evolving philosophy of storytelling rooted in finding compelling character arcs, and the importance of human connections. The film’s ability to blend personal narratives with historical context sets it apart in an increasingly competitive landscape of biographical dramas.
Behind the Scenes
The creative production of Hamnet is deep with experience. Steven Spielberg is a producer, along with Kristie Macosko Krieger, who is executive producer on behalf of Amblin. In addition to Mendes, other producers are Liza Marshall, Pippa Harris and Nic Gonda. They all are working together to implement Zhao’s vision of a seamless interconnected network. While doing all that, they’re honoring O’Farrell’s poignant tale of wrenching loss and recovery.
Along with Zhao and Krieger, Laurie Borg will come aboard as an executive producer. This deep and talented creative team is a testimony to Paramount’s commitment to produce quality narratives that can enthrall audiences young and old.
Upcoming Releases
Thanks to Focus Features, we’re excited to be releasing Hamnet in theaters! They have so much great stuff on the horizon, like Ethan Coen’s Honey Don’t! and the Neil Diamond tribute band drama, Song Sung Blue. The latter is scheduled to bow on December 25. Focus Features purposely expands its releases in a way that targets wider holiday audiences. This strategy further caters to audiences looking for challenging, illuminating stories to consume as part of awards season.