What is the focus of Chloé Zhao's film "Hamnet"?

The film explores how the death of William Shakespeare's 11-year-old son, Hamnet, inspired the playwright to write his classic tragedy "Hamlet".

How did set designer Fiona Crombie recreate the Globe Theatre for the film?

Crombie built a smaller, more intimate version of the Globe, reducing it to 75% of the original footprint and using aged, scarred timber to reflect the decline of the Shakespeare family's fortunes.

What was the significance of the materials used in the film's sets?

Crombie incorporated 20 tons of reclaimed oak wood beams from France, as well as aged and scarred timber, to create a more natural, tree-like aesthetic that aligned with director Chloé Zhao's vision.

Home / Arts and Entertainment / Acclaimed Director Chloé Zhao Reimagines Shakespeare's "Hamlet" in Intimate Period Drama

Acclaimed Director Chloé Zhao Reimagines Shakespeare's "Hamlet" in Intimate Period Drama

6 Nov

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Summary

Chloé Zhao's film "Hamnet" explores Shakespeare's grief over his son's death
Set designer Fiona Crombie recreates a smaller, more intimate version of the Globe Theatre
Timber used in the sets was aged and scarred, reflecting the family's decline

Acclaimed Director Chloé Zhao Reimagines Shakespeare's "Hamlet" in Intimate Period Drama

In 2025, acclaimed director Chloé Zhao's new film "Hamnet" explores the personal tragedy that inspired William Shakespeare's classic work "Hamlet." The film stars Paul Mescal as Shakespeare and Jessie Buckley as his wife, Agnes, as they grieve the death of their young son, Hamnet.

Set designer Fiona Crombie was tasked with recreating the Globe Theatre of the late 1500s for a key scene in the film. Zhao and Crombie decided against shooting at the actual reconstructed Globe, as it was deemed too ornate for their purposes. Instead, Crombie built a smaller, more intimate version of the theater, reducing it to 75% of the original footprint.