“Dreamlike and moving”: why this 3.8-rated film is a must-watch now

Sometimes, a film drops into theaters and, instead of politely knocking at the door of your emotions, flings it wide open and marches straight in. “Hamnet,” directed by Chloé Zhao, is precisely that kind of arrival: a richly woven period story, a showcase of poignant performances, and—despite its 3.8-out-of-5-average rating in the French press—a movie that refuses to leave anyone untouched. So, let’s peel back the layers and see why this already Golden Globe-winning, Oscar-nominated drama absolutely deserves a spot on your watchlist right now.

All Eyes on Hamnet: A Triumphant Entry

Epochal drama, artistic ambition, and critics’ votes of confidence—it all comes together with “Hamnet.” Fresh from cinching the coveted Golden Globe for Best Drama and racking up multiple Oscar 2026 nominations, the film hit French cinemas this week and quickly staked its claim as the best release of the week. And that’s no small feat, considering it outpaced formidable company such as “Le Mage du Kremlin,” “Grand Ciel,” and even “Amour Apocalypse.”

What’s the fuss about? “Hamnet” dares to tell the storied, seldom-seen tale behind one of William Shakespeare’s most famous works. In Zhao’s hands, it’s not just history dusted off but history breathed to life, thanks to a spellbinding central duo: Paul Mescal and Jessie Buckley. Together, they navigate a vibrant, cataclysmic love that might just break—and then remake—the very notion of artistic inspiration.

Love, Loss, and Literary Genesis

Let’s head back. England, 1580. Imagine a penniless Latin teacher crossing paths with a free-spirited young woman named Agnes. Sparks fly. They tumble into a passionate affair that quickly becomes a marriage and, soon enough, a family of three children. But reality intrudes: as Will (yes, that Will) chases a playwright’s dreams in London, Agnes shoulders the burdens of daily life alone.

Then, tragedy strikes. The once-unbreakable bond between these two souls trembles, teeters, and nearly collapses beneath the weight of grief. And yet, remarkably, it is precisely from the shared crucible of their pain and resilience that an “universal masterpiece” springs forth. Love, creation, and suffering—rarely have they been so tightly interwoven and so movingly exposed.

• Set in late sixteenth-century England
• Explores the personal story behind Shakespeare’s legend
• Highlights themes of passion, loss, and creative rebirth

Critics’ Voices: Resonant praise and some dissent

The critics haven’t been shy in voicing their reactions—and what a chorus it is! Olivier Pélisson sets the bar high with a full 5 out of 5: “It’s hard to emerge unscathed from this great film about love and mourning. From the thunderbolt of passion to heartbreak, from rage to resilience, Chloé Zhao delivers a staggering human epic.” Well, that leaves us with very little leeway for our own tear ducts.

Florence Colombani picks up the torch, awarding 4 out of 5 and calling the film “a moving exploration of grief, stamped with Zhao’s poetic signature, and brought to incandescence by revelation Jessie Buckley—already the Golden Globe and likely Oscar winner for Best Actress.” Who said history lessons couldn’t set the screen on fire?

Hadrien Machart (4/5) describes it as “a poignant melodrama where you believe in the reasons for the birth of a masterpiece just as much as you pulse for the tragic fate of two top-flight actors’ characters.” Clearly, there’s a thrill in experiencing this tragedy unfold.

Yet, not all are swept away. Emily Barnett (3/5) concedes, “This slightly syrupy melodrama restores due significance to the playwright’s wife, who was, surely, his muse.” And Charlotte Garson, with a brisk 1/5, laments the film’s “bloated production,” arguing that “the switch of ‘l’ for ‘n’ in the playwright’s most famous play signifies nothing special, summarizing the central issue of a production more invested in imagined psychology than meaningful substance.” Not everyone’s swooning, but the arguments are grist for the critical mill!

Final Verdict: Why Now?

So, should you carve out two hours and step into Zhao’s vision of Shakespearean heartbreak and genius? The answer, with all the poetic force of Elizabethan fate, is an emphatic yes—especially if your cinematic diet craves something stirring and beautifully human. This is a film that moves between love, despair, resilience, and artistic birth without losing its audience or its heart. Is it a unanimous masterpiece? No. But with a 3.8/5 average and more than one critic floored by its emotional resonance and glowing performances, “Hamnet” makes a compelling case for quality cinema that lingers long after the closing credits.

If you’re in need of a recommendation from self-declared cinephiles—AlloCiné has your back. Over 40 articles a day, offering all the behind-the-scenes wonders and streaming tips you could crave. Go on, explore—because sometimes, the best stories are hidden just out of sight, waiting for a little attention and a lot of heart.