Paul Mescal Unpacks The Profound Impact Of Grief In 'Hamnet'

Paul Mescal's Emotional Journey in 'Hamnet'

Hollywood sensation Paul Mescal is opening up about his latest role in Chloe Zhao's evocative film, 'Hamnet.' This cinematic gem delves into the depths of grief, tracing the poignant tale of Shakespeare's marriage to Agnes Hathaway and the heartbreaking loss of their son Hamnet – an event that would inspire the timeless tragedy, 'Hamlet.' Mescal, 29, shared insights into his portrayal of Shakespeare's profound sense of loss, highlighting how he immersed himself in the emotional journey of the characters.

"I didn’t think about navigating it from, like, love to grief. I think I looked at it as analysing somebody’s life," Mescal told Variety. "I was excited by the fact that I would get to show a lot of colours in terms of that, and the more that we could really make an audience feel these two people were madly in love with each other, the more that we would feel the loss of their connection in the middle act and the final act a little bit."

Visual Storytelling: A Haunting Finale

As the film reaches its poignant conclusion, audiences are met with a striking visual – Hamlet opening on stage in London, with Shakespeare himself, played by Mescal, appearing as a ghost clad in linens marked for burial, visibly cracked and clay-covered. This powerful image, crafted by costume designer Malgosia Turzanska, serves as a haunting reminder of the ever-present grief carried by Agnes and her children, while showcasing the toll of Hamnet's loss on Shakespeare.

"It was exciting to me, because I could see how it might feel to an audience to jump into the end when you’re covered in clay," Mescal noted. "Visually, we see cracks in his face. We see how present Agnes’ grief is with the children because, ultimately, she’s at home with them for the vast majority of the film. And that’s really Will’s opportunity with an audience, to let them in, to see the cost of the loss of Hamnet and the impact that it has had on him."

Recognizing 'Hamnet's' Potential Early On

Reflecting on the film's creative journey, Mescal admitted that he sensed its potential from the outset, especially during early rehearsals with co-star Jessie. "I think when I started rehearsing with Jessie, before we started shooting. I'd had read the script, so I was aware that the ceiling for what the film could be, to my mind, was pretty high," he revealed to Collider.

Expressing his excitement about working with renowned talents, Mescal was confident that they were on the verge of creating something extraordinary. "Then, watching it for the first time in a studio space in London, I was like, 'Oh, this is the film that I felt like we were making. This is the film we made', which I don't think is often the case. So yeah, it was pretty early days for me," he added, underscoring his belief in the film's unique storytelling power from the beginning.