Kaleb’s Culture Journal
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Poster of Hamnet

Hamnet

Directed by Chloé Zhao

Released 2025

6
Watched
February 2, 2026
Format
Theater
Platform
Cinemark
Location
Pleasant Hill
With
Solo

Oscars · 2026

8 nominations · 1 win

CategoryNomineesKaleb votedKaleb predictedWon
Actress in a Leading RoleJessie BuckleyBugoniaThis filmThis film
Best PictureProducers listedMarty SupremeOne Battle after AnotherOne Battle after Another
CastingNina GoldMarty SupremeMarty SupremeOne Battle after Another
Costume DesignMalgosia TurzanskaFrankensteinFrankensteinFrankenstein
DirectingChloé ZhaoMarty SupremeOne Battle after AnotherOne Battle after Another
Music (Original Score)Max RichterFrankensteinSinnersSinners
Production DesignFiona Crombie, Alice FeltonMarty SupremeSinnersFrankenstein
Writing (Adapted Screenplay)Chloé Zhao, Maggie O'FarrellFrankensteinOne Battle after AnotherOne Battle after Another

My take

Historical fiction imaging how the death of Shakespear's son led to him writing Hamlet, told from wife's perspective. I cried so hard. But it's about a mom losing her kid and siblings losing a sibling. So low bar crossed. Her acting was very impressive, but the story itself didn't feel like a challenge. And I didn't find it beautiful in its telling, like I do with Amor Towles.