Oscar-winning director Chloé Zhao (The Eternals; Nomadland; The Rider) is a singular voice in filmmaking. Her work focuses on a naturalistic approach, making her films’ environments characters in their own rights. Some viewers could find that as nothing more than empty style. With a filmmaker like Zhao, that is the furthest thing from the truth of her filmmaking prowess. Her now-eight-time Oscar-nominated 2025 film, Hamnet, puts those creative skills front and center. Hamnet tells the love story and tragic tale of Agnes (Academy Award nominee Jessie Buckley) and William Shakespeare (Paul Mescal) set against 16th-century England. While not a biography, the film follows Agnes and William as they deal with one of the most tragic losses imaginable.
Something has to be made clear regarding Hamnet from the jumpstart of this home release review. There is nothing about Hamnet that makes it an easy film to watch as it is an adaptation from the book of the same name by Maggie O’Farrell, who also co-wrote the adaptation. Zhao notes in one of the film’s featurettes that Farrell told her that this story is about “emotional world-building.” While watching the Blu-ray’s behind-the-scenes featurettes, that particular line left an impression on me. Zhao has adapted this story in ways that she wants viewers to feel emotionally connected to. From that technical aspect, the film is an unbridled success. None of those elements would be possible without some of the best performances in a film from last year.
I had the privilege of seeing Hamnet months before its theatrical release and have not stopped thinking about it since. That is particularly from the viewpoint of Jessie Buckley’s (Women Talking) titular and heartbreaking lead performance. As Agnes, Buckley is forced to wrestle with some of the deepest and darkest turmoil one can imagine. In the wrong performer’s hand, such a performance runs the risk of feeling emotionally manipulative. Buckley avoids that in every aspect, focusing on both the character’s heart and soul. That is not just in the films’ more devastating moments, but also in the quiet and understated moments of joy. It’s a rare performance that feels honest and raw in ways that took my breath away.
Paul Mescal (Aftersun) as William Shakespeare also has a chance to deliver something that is quite stirring. He is given several emotionally charged moments in the film to show true acting depth. Yet, at the same time, Mescal never overshadows Buckley’s central role. It’s relatively understated, but also deeply effective in its subtlety. Calling Mescal’s performance the weakest in Hamnet could be considered a detriment by some. In actuality, the performance is all the more nuanced with its understatedness. Mescal is one of the best actors working today, and this performance is no exception
The true highlight of Hamnet has to be relative newcomer Jacobi Jupe (Peter Pan & Wendy) as Agnes and William’s son Hamnet. Many could say that child-acting is one of the hardest performance types to execute. Hamnet calls upon Jupe to deliver a real humane pain. This is not a pain of spooky creatures or simple natural occurrences, but of the broader idea of life’s unpredictability. Even with limited dialogue, Jupe uses his face to tell a story. For any actor, that is not an easy feat, but for a first-time child actor, Jupe is an honest revelation. The genuine heart and realism of his portrayal is truly a one-of-a-kind experience to behold.
With this being a home release review, one question regarding Hamnet remains. Does the film warrant a purchase? In terms of special features, the release includes three featurettes, each ranging from four to 10 minutes. While fun to see, they admittedly don’t add much more insight into the filmmaking. The real standout of this home release is the director’s commentary with Zhao. For fans of filmmaking or of Zhao as a filmmaker, I don’t want to say anything about what she discusses in this commentary. What can be said is that the commentary is an absolutely delightful, informative, and detailed look at her filmmaking process as a medium. If that sounds interesting to you, then purchasing this Blu-ray is a no-brainer.
For non-commentary fans, the rich imagery and sound design alone may be enough to warrant a purchase. The images, rich browns and luscious green, are beautiful on this Blu-ray transfer. Add in the textured sound design of Earth and the characters’ breaths in synchronicity and the results feel transportive. For those willing to go on a less-than-normal film experience, the aesthetic qualities also warrant a purchase. If that is not your cup of tea, then I definitely could say it would be worth a Black Friday sale.
Hamnet is an emotional journey that connects audiences to the story’s world. That is not simply due to the devastating performances, but also to the camera’s connection to nature. Viewers live with these performers who take them on serious emotional highs. With actors like Jessie Buckley, Paul Mescal, and Jacobi Jupe at the helm, we as viewers reap the rewards. Add in some subtle yet effective special features, and Hamnet is definitely a Blu-ray to keep an eye on. I cannot recommend it for some as an immediate purchase (Black Friday will be a perfect price point for many), but for those willing to go on the journey and purchase the film now will not be disappointed.
Hamnet Special Features*:
- Family is Forever — Step behind the scenes of Hamnet and witness the heartwarming
- connections forged between Jessie Buckley, Paul Mescal, Emily Watson, Joe Alwyn, and the young “Shakespeare children,” culminating in a moving performance of Macbeth’s witches and unforgettable moments with director Chloé Zhao.
- Cultivating Creativity — Discover how Chloé Zhao’s visionary direction and infectious warmth inspired Jessie Buckley, Paul Mescal, and Maggie O’Farrell to bring Hamnet to life. Join the cast
- and crew as they share joyful memories and celebrate the creative magic behind the scenes.
- Recreating The Tudor Period — Explore the extraordinary craftsmanship that built Hamnet’s immersive Tudor world, from the stunning recreation of the Globe Theatre to the meticulous period costumes and sets, this featurette invites you to experience the artistry that made history come alive.
- Director’s Commentary With Chloé Zhao
* A digital purchase provides a limited license to access the content. See the retailer’s terms for details.
Available on VOD and digital February 3rd, 2026.
Available on 4K UHD, Blu-ray, and DVD March 3rd, 2026.
For more information, head to the official Focus Features Hamnet webpage.
To purchase, head to the official Universal Pictures Home Entertainment Hamnet webpage.
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Categories: Films To Watch, Home Release, Home Video, Recommendation, Reviews, streaming
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