Filmmaker Chloé Zhao, who won an Oscar for Best Director in 2020 for “Nomadland” – becoming only the second woman to do so – is again receiving critical acclaim for her latest work, “Hamnet.” Starring Paul Mescal and Jessie Buckley, the film is based on Maggie O’Farrell’s novel of the same name and centers on the grief experienced by William Shakespeare and his wife following the death of their son.
“Hamnet” has garnered significant awards attention, including nominations for Best Picture and Best Actress, alongside five other awards. Zhao discussed the film’s origins, her use of nature imagery, and the surprising parallels between adapting literary works and working with established intellectual property, such as in a Marvel film, in a conversation with Michael Schulman.
The discussion originally aired on December 5, 2025. New episodes of The New Yorker Radio Hour are released every Tuesday and Friday and are available wherever podcasts are distributed.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is “Hamnet” about?
“Hamnet” follows a young William Shakespeare and his wife as they navigate their grief after the loss of their only son.
Who stars in “Hamnet”?
Paul Mescal and Jessie Buckley star in “Hamnet.”
When did the conversation with Chloé Zhao originally air?
The conversation with Chloé Zhao originally aired on December 5, 2025.
As “Hamnet” continues to receive recognition, what impact might this have on the broader appreciation for adaptations of literary works in film?
