Shocked Director Moved by Oscar-Nominated Film You Must See in Theaters!

Since its release on January 21, Chloé Zhao’s new film “Hamnet” has garnered 8 Oscar nominations and 11 BAFTA nods, and has already earned lead actress Jesse Buckley a Golden Globe for Best Actress in a Drama.

Starring Jesse Buckley, Paul Mescal, Jacobi Jupe, Emily Watson, and Noah Jupe, “Hamnet” is set in 1580 England. Will, a struggling Latin teacher, meets Agnes, a free-spirited young woman. Captivated by each other, they embark on a passionate affair before marrying and having three children. As Will tries his luck as a playwright in London, Agnes manages the household alone. When tragedy strikes, the once deeply connected couple’s relationship falters. However, this shared ordeal sparks the creation of a timeless masterpiece…

Based on the 2020 novel of the same name by Maggie O’Farrell—which had been previously adapted for the stage—the film explores an unproven theory that William Shakespeare was inspired by the death of his young son Hamnet to write what would become one of his most famous works: Hamlet.

A Film Endorsed by Terrence Malick

Celebrated by critics and audiences alike (the film has an average audience rating of 4.1 out of 5 on AlloCiné), Chloé Zhao, who previously won the Oscar for Best Director for “Nomadland” in 2021, receives new honors today.

The iconic and seldom-seen Terrence Malick, known for “Days of Heaven,” “The Thin Red Line,” and “The Tree of Life,” sent a letter to Chloé Zhao’s film team through his long-time producer Nicolas Gonda (as reported by World of Reel), also a producer of “Hamnet,” to share his admiration.

I had a tightness in my chest throughout the entire film

“I saw Hamnet last night. I had a tightness in my chest throughout the entire film. I was deeply moved. It was intense, wonderful. What a magnificent work! Tell Chloé and the entire film team what you already know very well: you have made a wonderful film, full of love, tenderness, humanity, and compassion. Best regards, Terry.”

The producer adds, “Since I’ve known him, I’ve rarely seen him express himself in this way.” This statement underscores how much Zhao’s work has impacted Terrence Malick and further elevates the film’s prestige as the Oscars approach.

Absent from the screen since the release of the drama “A Hidden Life” in 2019, Terrence Malick is reportedly still finalizing the edit of “The Way of the Wind,” his film about Jesus, according to World of Reel.

Hamnet is now playing in theaters.

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