Jessie Buckley's 'Heart Cracked Open' by Motherhood After Hamnet

Irish actress Jessie Buckley, who stars as Agnes Shakespeare in the critically acclaimed drama Hamnet, has found a profound new understanding of motherhood following her own recent experience. The film, which centers on the grief surrounding the death of Shakespeare's young son from the bubonic plague, moved Buckley deeply, especially her character's unimaginable anguish.

Buckley, 36, recently welcomed her first child with her husband, whom she married in 2023. This personal milestone has offered her a "whole new perspective on motherhood," which she describes as an "intense, wild ride of the heart but the most beautiful one." Her portrayal of Agnes Shakespeare, a character she found "untethered, free, deeply curious," has been lauded, particularly her powerful depiction of maternal grief.

Having previously starred in acclaimed projects like Men, Wild Rose, and Chernobyl, Buckley's performance in Hamnet is expected to garner further accolades. The film, co-produced by Steven Spielberg and Sam Mendes and directed by Chloé Zhao, also features Paul Mescal as William Shakespeare. Buckley's upcoming role in Maggie Gyllenhaal's The Bride! promises another distinct character exploration, showcasing her versatile talent.