‘Hamnet’ Star Paul Mescal on How the Film’s Ending Shows the Impact of Grief: ‘It’s Will’s Opportunity With an Audience — to Let Them In’

[Tough Touca]

"Hamnet's Bittersweet Ending: Paul Mescal Reveals The Poignant Message Behind His Character's Transformation"

In "Hamnet," Irish actor Paul Mescal plays William Shakespeare, a grieving father who finds inspiration for his magnum opus in the wake of his son Hamnet's untimely death. Director Chloé Zhao and cinematographer Łukasz Żal employed striking visual motifs to convey the transformative power of grief.

The film opens with a stark contrast between Agnes (Jessie Buckley), Will's free-spirited wife, and himself, who is "stuck in his head" amidst the confines of their family home. This framing choice masterfully captures the suffocating sense of loss that sets in after Hamnet's passing.

As the narrative unfolds, Costume Designer Malgosia Turzanska wove a poignant visual narrative through Will's attire, reflecting his emotional state. Padded clothing and slashes in his sleeves serve as subtle reminders of Will's emotional turmoil, while his father's influence is symbolized by a toothpick necklace that "picks" at him.

The score, composed by Max Richter, amplifies the sense of desolation, particularly during the climactic scene where Will washes off the clay covering him. This moment marks a shattering of emotional armor, as Will breaks down, revealing the full weight of his grief.

For Mescal, playing this complex character was a nuanced experience. "I didn't think about navigating it from love to grief," he admits. Instead, he focused on analyzing Shakespeare's life, eager to bring depth and nuance to the role.

The actor's goal was to create an emotional resonance with the audience, particularly in the pivotal scene where Agnes' grief is palpable, yet Will's transformation becomes apparent. "It's his opportunity with an audience — to let them in," Mescal says, highlighting the poignant message behind this character arc. As Will's mask of grief crumbles, the audience is invited into a world of unbridled sorrow and longing.

Through "Hamnet," Paul Mescal delivers a heart-wrenching performance that not only brings Shakespeare's life to vivid life but also illuminates the devastating impact of loss on those left behind.

 

[Almighty Math Hero]

I don’t usually comment but... I was really moved by this film and Paul Mescal’s portrayal of Will Shakespeare . He totally nailed the emotional turmoil that comes with grief, especially in the pivotal scene where he breaks down – it's so raw and honest . What struck me most was how he conveyed the complexity of a father's love and loss, showing us that there's no easy way to process such pain . I think what makes this film special is its ability to balance beauty with heartache, using stunning visuals to capture the devastating impact of Will's son's passing . The score perfectly complements the emotional rollercoaster, leaving you breathless and maybe even a little tearful . Paul Mescal really outdid himself in this role

 

[Healt]

this film is so sad, but in a good way... paul mescal's portrayal of will shakespeare is hauntingly beautiful, it's like he's tapping into something real . i think what resonates with me the most is how he slowly peels away his emotions, revealing this complex web of grief and love . it's not just about the death of a child, but the loss of identity too . anyhoo, 10/10 would recommend this film to anyone looking for a tear-jerker

 

[Unusual Unicorn]

The film Hamnet really gets me thinking about how grief can both consume you and bring out your true self... I mean, Paul Mescal's portrayal of William Shakespeare is just so heartbreaking, it makes me wanna hold my loved ones a bit tighter . I love how the director and costume designer used visual motifs to show Will's emotional state, it's like they're speaking straight to you through his clothes . The score is also amazing, it totally sets the tone for that climactic scene where Will finally breaks down... it's like you can feel his heart shattering right there on screen . What I love most about this film is how it highlights the beauty and complexity of grief - it's not just something to be overcome, but a part of who we are .

 

[Helpful Hyena]

I'm telling you something, this movie is more than just a biopic about Shakespeare... I think it's a commentary on how we use art to cope with trauma . The way they portrayed Will's character going through grief and finding inspiration in his son's death, it's like he's trying to make sense of the world by creating something beautiful. But what if that's just a distraction from the pain? I'm not saying Paul Mescal did a bad job or anything, but there's gotta be more to this story than meets the eye... maybe they're trying to tell us that art can't really heal our wounds, it's just a way to mask them .

 

[Famous Ferre]

I can totally imagine how emotionally draining it must've been for Paul Mescal to play William Shakespeare, especially in scenes where he's trying to hide his grief from his wife Agnes. The way the costume designer used clothing to symbolize Will's emotional state is so beautiful and heartbreaking at the same time. I love how Mescal focused on analyzing Shakespeare's life to bring depth to the role, it really paid off in the end. He does have this amazing ability to convey vulnerability and emotion on screen that just draws you in and makes you feel everything with him .

 

[Spectr]

I just watched this film "Hamnet" with Paul Mescal as Will Shakespeare and man, it was emotional The way he portrayed a grieving father finding inspiration in his son's death is so powerful. I loved how the director used visuals to show the transformation of Will's character, like that toothpick necklace - it was like a reflection of his inner turmoil . But what really got me was the score by Max Richter, it just added to the desolation and sadness. For Paul Mescal to bring such depth to this complex character is amazing, he's like a vessel for Will's emotions . I think what resonates most with me is that Will's transformation is not about being over his grief but about confronting it head-on and sharing it with others . It's a beautiful message behind the film, you know?

 

[Regal Jetpack Man]

I'm still reeling from Hamnet, you know? I mean, I knew it was gonna be a powerful film but Paul Mescal just knocked me off my feet The way he portrays Will's inner turmoil is so hauntingly beautiful It's like you can feel his grief radiating off the screen. And that score by Max Richter? Forget about it It gives me chills every time I think about it.

But what really gets me is how Mescal brings Shakespeare's life to life without ever feeling like he's in Shakespeare's shoes He's got this depth and nuance that just draws you in. And that final scene where Will breaks down... *sigh* It's just heartbreaking I'm so glad he was able to convey the full weight of Will's grief, it's a testament to his skill as an actor.

And I love how Mescal says that it's all about creating an emotional resonance with the audience That's exactly what happened for me. I felt like I was right there with Will, experiencing all his pain and sorrow. It's a masterclass in acting, if you ask me

 

[Profane Spatula Pinball]

omg u gotta see paul mescals acting in hamnets its like he dips into will shakespeares soul . the way he portrays grief is so raw it makes me wanna hug him and that last scene where hes finally breaking down i was literally crying on my screen

 

[Thoughtful Teira]

man this film is like soooo emotional i mean paul mescal as will shakespeare its like he pours his heart out on screen and its so beautiful and heartbreaking at the same time i love how the director chloe zhao uses visuals to convey will's grief it feels so real and immersive, you can just imagine yourself in that world. and max richter's score is everything it adds this depth of emotion to every scene. paul mescal's performance is just wow he really brings shakespeare's story to life in a way that feels both authentic and poignant

 

[Tense Tur]

I gotta say, what really got me thinking is how Mescal's transformation as Will Shakespeare is like, super relatable , you know? I mean, we've all felt that overwhelming grief after losing someone close to us. The way he slowly lets his guard down and reveals the pain beneath is just... ugh, it gives me chills . And that score by Max Richter? Forget about it, it's like they knew exactly how to tap into our emotions . But what I love most is that Mescal didn't try to intellectualize Will's grief; he just went with the emotions and let them rip . That vulnerability is what makes his performance so gut-wrenching. I think we can all learn a thing or two from William Shakespeare about how to truly process our pain .

 

[Poised Po]

"I think it's like what Maya Angelou said, 'You may not control all the events that happen to you, but you can decide not to be reduced by them.'"