Chloé Zhao's 'Hamnet' Garners "Universal Acclaim" with 92 Metascore, Praised for Lead Performances

Film critic Justin C. Chang, writing for The New Yorker, has weighed in on Chloé Zhao's latest film, "Hamnet," highlighting the compelling performances of its lead actors, Paul Mescal and Jessie Buckley. Chang noted that while Mescal and Buckley "have done quieter, subtler work elsewhere," their "histrionics miss the mark" in the adaptation, adding playfully, "What is ‘Hamnet,’ or ‘Hamlet,’ without a little ham?" This observation comes as the film receives widespread critical acclaim, indicated by a Metacritic score of 92 out of 100, signifying "universal acclaim."

The film, directed by Academy Award-winner Chloé Zhao, is an adaptation of Maggie O’Farrell’s bestselling 2020 novel, reimagining the life of William Shakespeare's wife, Agnes Hathaway, and the profound impact of their son Hamnet's death on their lives and Shakespeare's work. Zhao, known for her intimate storytelling in films like "Nomadland," returns to a smaller, character-driven narrative after her foray into blockbusters with "Eternals." The narrative explores how personal grief may have inspired Shakespeare's iconic tragedy, "Hamlet."

Paul Mescal and Jessie Buckley have been lauded for their "astonishing" and "career-defining" performances, particularly Buckley's portrayal of Agnes. Critics like David Fear of Rolling Stone opined that people "will be talking about Jessie Buckley’s performance for years," while Peter Debruge of Variety declared the film "so emotionally raw as to be almost excruciating at times" featuring a "heroic performance from Jessie Buckley." The film's direction, screenplay, score, and cinematography have also garnered significant praise, contributing to its 87% positive rating on Rotten Tomatoes.

"Hamnet" premiered at the 52nd Telluride Film Festival on August 29, 2025, and subsequently won the prestigious People's Choice Award at the 50th Toronto International Film Festival. Focus Features acquired the distribution rights, with a limited theatrical release scheduled for November 26, 2025, in the United States, followed by a wide release on December 12, 2025. The film is anticipated to be a strong contender in the upcoming awards season, building on its early critical success and the powerful performances of its acclaimed cast.