Jessie Buckley stars as Shakespeare’s wife in new film, ‘Hamnet’

Key Concepts

• Jesse Buckley's Career: Oscar-nominated actress and Olivier Award winner.
• "Hamnet" Film: Adaptation of Maggie O'Farrell's novel, focusing on Shakespeare's wife, Agnes.
• Agnes Hathaway: The character played by Jesse Buckley, wife of William Shakespeare, mother to Hamnet.
• Themes: Grief, loss, love, motherhood, the role of women behind historical figures.
• Historical Figures: Agnes Hathaway and William Shakespeare, with limited historical information available.
• Inspiration and Creativity: The connection between personal experience, love, and artistic creation.

"Hamnet" Film and Jesse Buckley's Role

Jesse Buckley, an acclaimed Irish actress and singer known for her Oscar nomination in "The Lost Daughter" and Olivier Award win for "Cabaret," takes on the role of Agnes Hathaway in the new film "Hamnet." This film is an adaptation of Maggie O'Farrell's bestselling novel of the same title. Buckley portrays Agnes as a wife and mother who experiences the profound grief of losing her son, Hamnet, at the age of 11, confronting loss and love in a manner rarely depicted on screen.

Personal Connection to the Role

Buckley, who recently gave birth five months prior to the interview, found the role particularly resonant. While she was not a mother during filming, she expressed a strong desire to become one, which informed her portrayal. She described Agnes as someone deeply connected to her body, nature, and the act of creation, both internally and within her natural surroundings. Playing Agnes, who is presented as the unspoken "spinal cord" to William Shakespeare, was an "amazing" experience for Buckley.

Attraction to the Role and Historical Figures

The limited historical knowledge about Agnes Hathaway and William Shakespeare was a point of discussion. Buckley noted that "we don't know anything about anybody really at all," and that there has been much speculation about these figures. Her personal relationship with Shakespeare's works, which helped her recognize herself as an actress, made the opportunity to tell this story "beautiful" and a "full circle" moment.

The Love Story and Themes of Loss

Buckley highlighted the love story between Agnes and William Shakespeare, played by Paul Mescal, as a significant draw. She emphasized that the film explores the inherent risk of love, which includes the potential for loss. The idea that Shakespeare, the creator of "Romeo and Juliet," must have understood profound love and love for a woman like Agnes in his own life, was a key aspect. The film aims to bring Agnes to life, potentially revealing more about her than historical records currently do.

The Role of Women Behind Great Men

Buckley expressed the importance of recognizing the women who stand beside and behind "giants of our culture," suggesting they are the inspirations for great love stories and tragedies. She views her performance as a potential beginning to understanding Agnes's potential and who she might have been, anticipating future interpretations and stories about her.

Film Details and Conclusion

"Hamnet," directed by Chloé Zhao with a screenplay by Zhao and Maggie O'Farrell, stars Jesse Buckley and Paul Mescal. The film is currently in theaters. The interview concludes with congratulations to Buckley on her recent birth and her performance.