Chloé Zhao opened her latest film, “Hamnet,” at Telluride with a rare vulnerability, pausing before the lights went down. Unlike a typical premiere where a director says a few words and exits, Zhao invited the audience to join a meditative ritual she had practiced with the cast throughout filming. Attendees closed their eyes, placed hands over their hearts, and exhaled together, repeating softly: “This is my heart. This is my heart. This is my heart.”
The ritual set the tone for a film about the intimate pain of William Shakespeare’s family life. Adapted from Maggie O’Farrell’s 2020 novel, “Hamnet” follows Shakespeare’s marriage to Agnes, played by Jessie Buckley, and the tragic death of their 11-year-old son. Paul Mescal portrays Shakespeare not as the untouchable literary legend, but as a grieving husband and father. The film combines grounded realism with dreamlike sequences, earning one of the most emotional responses of the festival.
Zhao’s journey to “Hamnet” has been a mix of personal and professional trials. She first appeared at Telluride eight years ago with “The Rider.” In 2020, she returned with “Nomadland,” which later won Best Picture and made Zhao the first woman of color to receive the Oscar for Best Director. Her work on Marvel’s “Eternals” brought global attention but also harsh criticism. “Hamnet” represents a return to a smaller, more intimate canvas, focusing on human emotion rather than cosmic spectacle.
Speaking to the press in Telluride, Zhao described her path to this deeply personal project. “I’ve walked through fires. I’ve been through a very painful fire,” she said, referencing the challenges and critiques of her previous work. Zhao admitted the fear came from exposing deeply personal experiences to public scrutiny and questioned whether anyone outside her immediate team could truly understand the journey.
Her relationship with Shakespeare began in childhood in China, where his plays are revered and frequently adapted. Zhao later moved to England and then Los Angeles as a teenager, performing Lady Macbeth’s speech in high school despite limited English. The experience made her aware of Shakespeare’s archetypal power, even if language remained a barrier.
Initially, Zhao hesitated to direct “Hamnet” for three main reasons: she is not a mother, she had concerns about directing a period film authentically, and she questioned her ability to handle Shakespearean material. The turning point came after meeting Paul Mescal and realizing he could embody Shakespeare’s youthful spirit. Reading O’Farrell’s novel alongside her creative team solidified her decision, with Jessie Buckley becoming the natural choice for Agnes.
Returning to intimate storytelling after the blockbuster scale of “Eternals” was both a reset and a reflection of Zhao’s personal growth. She explained that the last four years had been a period of deep introspection, pushing through personal struggles and reevaluating her creative priorities. “When you stop running, the only place you can go is above or below,” Zhao said. “By the time I got to ‘Hamnet,’ I was ready.”
The film’s portrayal of grief required a careful balance. Zhao drew on her understanding of ritual, embodiment, and the human response to loss. “Agnes’ wailing — I could do that right now in front of you. We should be allowed to,” Zhao said, emphasizing that grief is both personal and universal. Her films consistently explore characters confronting profound loss and transforming through the process.
“Hamnet” also frees Shakespeare from iconic expectations. Zhao focused on Agnes and Shakespeare as two archetypal figures connected by love, death, and creativity. Drawing from Jungian psychology and Hindu Tantra, she explored the energy dynamics between masculine and feminine forces, aiming to craft a story that resonates collectively and individually.
Looking ahead, Zhao recently wrapped a pilot for the new “Buffy the Vampire Slayer” series and hopes to return to theater work. She remains mindful of the shifting film industry, noting the uncertainties around technology, AI, and studio consolidation. Yet Zhao’s approach remains grounded in presence and humanity. “We can kick and scream or we can surrender, hug our loved ones, and focus on what we can do today,” she said.
With “Hamnet,” Chloé Zhao has transformed personal heartbreak into a cinematic meditation on grief, love, and the human condition, reaffirming her place as one of today’s most thoughtful and sensitive directors.
