Jessie Buckley's 'Hamnet' Performance Avoids 'Grief Porn' Tropes

In a recent interview, actress Jessie Buckley reflects on her powerful performance in the film "Hamnet," which she says avoids the tropes of "grief porn." Buckley explains that the role taught her to be more tender in this world, a lesson she has carried with her.

Elsewhere, Emily Blunt discusses the emotional and physical extremes she faced while filming "The Smashing Machine." Blunt's raw, intimate portrayal of a grief-stricken wife left her physically ill at times, such as during a sequence involving a fairground ride. The actress admits she would "rather drink bleach than ride fairground rides," but was seduced by the director's uncompromising approach.

Dwayne "The Rock" Johnson also stars in "The Smashing Machine," delivering what is described as a transformative turn. His co-star Blunt notes that Johnson's performance is "closer to his soul than people might imagine," with the actor becoming unrecognizable in the role. The article suggests that Johnson's emotional authenticity in the film represents a significant departure from his typical charismatic and invincible screen persona.