Imagine a room filled with anticipation, where the air crackles with excitement as thousands gather for the London Film Festival premiere of Hamnet. But here’s where it gets truly captivating: before the lights dim, Oscar-winning director Chloé Zhao leads the audience—including Hollywood legend Steven Spielberg, stars Paul Mescal and Jessie Buckley, and producer Sam Mendes—in a guided meditation. Yes, you read that right. A meditation. And this is the part most people miss: it’s not just about calming nerves; it’s about grounding everyone in the profound connection Zhao feels to the earth’s ‘seismic heartbeat,’ a theme she weaves into her art. Bold claim? Spielberg himself says Zhao’s work taps into this heartbeat, making Hamnet more than a film—it’s an experience. But let’s dive deeper.
Hamnet, co-written by Zhao and Northern Irish author Maggie O’Farrell, is a gut-wrenching period drama based on O’Farrell’s 2020 novel. It stars Paul Mescal as William Shakespeare and Jessie Buckley as his wife, Agnes, exploring their contrasting journeys through grief after the loss of their son. Spielberg, a co-producer through Amblin Entertainment, set the stage with a heartfelt introduction, praising Zhao’s ability to channel the earth’s rhythm into her storytelling. ‘When you see Hamnet, you’ll feel that heartbeat,’ he promised. Controversial take? Some might argue that such spiritual undertones could overshadow the narrative, but Zhao’s emotional speech suggests otherwise. She spoke of gratitude, belonging, and how making the film on ‘this island’ gave her a sense of community she’d never known before, even helping her through personal struggles.
After her remarks, the theater fell silent as Zhao guided the audience in a meditative session, palms to chest, breathing in unison. It’s a ritual she’s done before, like at TIFF, but here it felt especially poignant. Mescal, in a candid moment on the red carpet, shared how he ‘shamelessly’ positioned himself for the role after falling in love with the book. ‘Thank God we were both at Telluride,’ he laughed, recalling his first meeting with Zhao. Buckley, too, has been praised for her raw, transformative performance, with both leads already generating Oscar buzz.
But here’s the real question: Does Hamnet live up to the hype? Mescal admits the awards chatter is ‘out of your hands,’ but he’s proud audiences are engaging with the film authentically. Thought-provoking question for you: In an era of blockbuster spectacles, does a film like Hamnet—intimate, emotional, and spiritually charged—stand a chance? Or is it too niche? Let’s discuss in the comments. One thing’s for sure: Chloé Zhao has once again proven she’s a filmmaker who doesn’t just tell stories—she invites you to feel them, heartbeat and all. The BFI London Film Festival runs October 8-19, and Hamnet is already a conversation starter. Will you be part of it?
