After seeing the new film Hamnet at a festival, actor Jeremy Allen White found himself so emotionally overwhelmed that he could barely speak when he met the filmmakers. The movie, which tells the story of William Shakespeare’s family and the death of his son, is drawing intense reactions for its powerful portrayal of grief.
White, known for his roles in The Bear and the recent Bruce Springsteen biopic, shared his visceral reaction on the Happy Sad Confused podcast. He saw the film at the Telluride Film Festival and described it as a uniquely devastating experience.
“I saw Hamnet in Telluride and I haven’t been that devastated walking out of a theater,” White said. “And I saw them after and it was embarrassing cause I was like, I didn’t have anything for them.”
He specifically mentioned wanting to properly praise lead actress Jessie Buckley, with whom he has worked before, but was too emotionally stunned to form coherent thoughts.
What Is The Movie ‘Hamnet’ About?
Hamnet is a historical drama directed by Chloé Zhao, the Oscar-winning filmmaker behind Nomadland. The film is an adaptation of Maggie O’Farrell’s bestselling 2020 novel.
The story imagines the personal life of William Shakespeare, played by Paul Mescal, and focuses particularly on his relationship with his wife, Agnes, played by Jessie Buckley. The central tragedy of the film is the death of the couple’s 11-year-old son, Hamnet, and how this profound loss influenced Shakespeare to write his famous play, Hamlet.
The film explores how Agnes and William process their grief in different ways. He channels his sorrow into his art, eventually creating Hamlet, while she confronts her pain more directly. The narrative suggests that the iconic play was not just a work of fiction, but a vessel for the playwright’s own mourning.
Why The Film Is So Emotionally Powerful
Critics and early viewers have described Hamnet as one of the most emotionally powerful films of the year. One review called it “the most devastating movie I’ve seen in years,” noting that it leads viewers to see Shakespeare’s famous play in a completely new light.
The film’s emotional impact comes from its raw depiction of parental grief and loss. It approaches the tragedy with a touch of magical realism, but the feelings it portrays are intensely real and human. The performance by Jessie Buckley as Agnes has been singled out as heroic and sensational, serving as the emotional core of the story.
A key scene mentioned in reviews occurs when Agnes attends a performance of Hamlet. Watching the play, she sees how her husband’s art reflects their personal tragedy, leading to a powerful moment of catharsis that many viewers find incredibly moving.
Jeremy Allan White’s Personal Reaction
On the podcast, host Josh Horowitz suggested that White’s speechless reaction would probably be a common response for people who see the film. He told White, “They’re probably gonna get a lot of that. Just people just like seeing them and dispersing into tears.” White simply replied, “Totally,” agreeing with the sentiment.
White’s own connection to the Telluride Festival was particularly strong this year, as he was also there to promote his own film, Springsteen: Deliver Me from Nowhere, where he portrays Bruce Springsteen.
When You Can See ‘Hamnet’
For those interested in experiencing the film, Hamnet is scheduled for a limited theatrical release beginning November 27, 2025. A wider release across the United States will follow on December 12, 2025.
The film has already generated significant awards buzz and currently holds an impressive score of 87% on Rotten Tomatoes, indicating widespread critical acclaim.
Also Read: Jeremy Allen White bags the Comedy TV Star award for The Bear at the 2024 People’s Choice Awards
