Russell Hobbs British Film Festival Closing Night: Hamnet

Say cheerio to the 2025 Russell Hobbs British Film Festival with a whisky cocktail from The Glendronach, wine or mocktail on arrival prior to the Australian Premiere screenings of Chloé Zhao's award-winning period drama, Hamnet starring Academy Award nominees Jessie Buckley and Paul Mescal. 

1580 England. Impoverished Latin tutor William Shakespeare meets free-spirited Agnes, and the pair, captivated by one another, strike up a torrid affair that leads to marriage and three children. Yet as Will pursues a budding theatre career in far-away London, Agnes anchors the domestic sphere alone. When tragedy strikes, the couple’s once-unshakable bond is tested, but their shared experience sets the stage for the creation of Shakespeare’s timeless masterpiece, Hamlet.

From Academy Award winning filmmaker Chloé Zhao (Nomadland, The Rider) comes a sensitively observed, magnificently crafted tale about the complexities of love and the healing power of art and creativity.

A luminous adaptation of Maggie O’Farrell’s internationally celebrated novel, Hamnet reframes the story of William Shakespeare through the eyes of his wife, Agnes, portrayed with breathtaking depth by Jessie Buckley, alongside Paul Mescal’s compelling Shakespeare.

Having premiered at Telluride before winning the People’s Choice Award at the Toronto International Film Festival, Hamnet immerses us in the fragile joys and shattering sorrows of family life in 16th-century Stratford.

EVENT DETAILS:
Sunday, December 7 | Check the sidebar for specific event times.