Oscar-winning Director Chloé Zhao Explores ShakespeareS Personal Tragedy in New Film “hamnet”
NEW YORK, NY – Chloé Zhao, the acclaimed director who made history with her 2020 Oscar win for “Nomadland,” is turning her lens toward a deeply personal story from literary history with her latest film, “Hamnet.” The movie, based on Maggie O’Farrell’s novel, delves into the grief of William Shakespeare following the death of his eleven-year-old son, Hamnet, and its potential influence on the creation of his iconic play, Hamlet.
Zhao’s career has been marked by striking shifts in genre,from the autonomous realism of “Nomadland” to the blockbuster world of Marvel’s “Eternals.” “Hamnet” represents another bold departure, signaling Zhao’s continued interest in exploring worldwide human experiences through intimate and visually arresting storytelling. The film offers a fresh viewpoint on Shakespeare, moving beyond the celebrated playwright to portray him as a father grappling with unimaginable loss. In a recent conversation with New Yorker staff writer michael Schulman,Zhao discussed the role of nature in her filmmaking,her approach to adaptation,and how her own neurodivergence shapes her creative vision.
The film is based on Maggie O’Farrell’s novel, published in 2020, which reimagines the life of Shakespeare’s family and the circumstances surrounding Hamnet’s death. Zhao’s adaptation promises a nuanced exploration of grief, love, and the creative process. New episodes of The New Yorker Radio Hour, featuring Zhao’s interview, are available every Tuesday and Friday on podcast platforms. The New Yorker Radio Hour is a co-production of WNYC Studios and The New Yorker.
