Film: "Hamnet"

In 16th-century rural England, Agnes and William Shakespeare are confronted with the death of their only son. PG-13; 2 hours, 5 minutes.

Directed by Chloé Zhao, "Hamnet" is a luminous adaptation of Maggie O’Farrell’s celebrated novel, blending historical drama with profound, lyrical emotional intimacy. The film stars Jessie Buckley in her Academy Award-winning role as Agnes, a woman of deep, earthy intuition and the wife of ambitious, fledgling playwright William Shakespeare, played by Paul Mescal.

The narrative centers on the couple’s life in 16th-century Stratford-upon-Avon, shifting focus from the stage to the domestic heart of the Bard’s world. The plot explores the devastating impact of the bubonic plague on their young family. It serves as a poignant origin story, illustrating how a father’s immense grief and a mother’s resilience transmute into one of literature’s most enduring masterpieces.

Public Humanities programs are presented with support from the National Endowment for the Humanities: Any views, findings, conclusions or recommendations expressed in this programming do not necessarily represent those of the National Endowment for the Humanities.

Community Room Accessibility

• Wheelchair accessible
• Assistive listening system compatible with personal T-coil-enabled devices (compatible headphones also available for use during programs)
• English-language subtitles for films (when available)
• If there is an accommodation that you need or would like so that you can fully enjoy library programs, please visit our Accommodations Request Form.

Upcoming events