Hamnet is William Shakespeare as we’ve never really seen him before – a fully-fleshed human being and playing second fiddle to his wife.

It’s one of the most eagerly anticipated titles on the film festival circuit this autumn thanks to the undeniable pedigree provided by lead actors Jessie Buckley and Paul Mescal, Oscar-winning director Chloé Zhao and the best-selling novel at its heart by Maggie O’Farrell, who also co-wrote the screenplay.

Oh yes, and Steven Spielberg and Sam Mendes are producers.

I can’t really imagine this team creating anything other than a profoundly moving and rich piece of cinema, powered by the vulnerability of Buckley and Mescal – and that’s exactly what we get, so make sure you bring your tissues.

Hamnet is Shakespeare’s domestic life reimagined, but so true

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