Hamnet (M) – 126 minutes

Most creative, Hamnet is the work of director Chloé Zhao (Nomadland), who also co-wrote the material along with Maggie O’Farrell.

It is based on O’Farrell’s acclaimed eighth novel of the same name, which won the US National Book Critics Circle Award and the UK Women’s Prize for Fiction.

It was cited as one of 2020’s five best works of fiction by the New York Times Book Review.

O’Farrell discovered little-discussed details of William Shakespeare’s family life, specifically the death of his only son Hamnet.

The latter succumbed to the plague at age 11.

So, it is that the film is set in England in 1580.

Impoverished Latin tutor Shakespeare meets free-spirited Agnes (whom he calls Ann-yis) and is immediately captivated by her.

Unconventional, she is different to any woman he has met.

She has a strong connection to the natural world – a forager and healer who looks after a bird of prey in the lush, wooded area that surrounds her home.

Against family turmoil, they strike up a torrid relationship, which leads to marriage and three children.

In the early years, with their passions in sync, they make a formidable duo.

But their bond begins to fray as Will, encouraged by Agnes, pursues his dreams of creative expression.

He travels from their Stratford-Upon-Avon home to London to work in theater.

His absence is keenly felt by his family, particularly their only son Hamnet.

Then tragedy strikes, which the couple struggles to move beyond.

Events come to a head with the creation of the Bard’s timeless masterpiece, Hamlet.

Hamnet is a work of inspired genius, magnificently realised by Chloé Zhao.

This is patient filmmaking, rich and raw, which continues to build momentum as it heads to a deeply meaningful conclusion.

Visually, it is stunning, starting from the opening scene, in which Agnes is curled up sleeping in the forest in a foetal position and the camera captures her from above.

Cinematographer Łukasz Żal has done a fine job capturing the wild beauty of the landscape.

The performances of the two leads are dramatic and dynamic. Both give of their souls, with Jessie Buckley utterly captivating as an untamed spirit.

On the other hand, Paul Mescal as Will, driven to write, is desperately trying to find his own voice.

Around them, some of the family members are particularly harsh. My mind immediately turns to Shakespeare’s father (as played by David Wilmot), who is a brute.

Hamnet, on the other hand, is a child who dotes upon and deeply loves his father. I have utter respect in the performance of Jacobi Jupe in the role.

Hamnet, the movie is moving and memorable, eloquent and insightful, unquestionably among the year’s best.

Rated M, it scores an 8½ out of 10.