Imagine a room filled with thousands of people, all united in a moment of profound stillness, guided by the calming presence of an Oscar-winning director. This wasn’t just any event—it was the London Film Festival premiere of Hamnet, and Chloé Zhao was at the helm, leading a guided meditation that left the audience in a state of serene anticipation. But here’s where it gets controversial: Can a film about grief and loss truly connect us to the earth’s heartbeat, as Steven Spielberg boldly claims? Let’s dive in.
Chloé Zhao, the visionary behind Nomadland and Eternals, brought her unique artistic energy to the U.K. premiere of Hamnet, a gut-wrenching period drama that explores the contrasting experiences of grief through the eyes of William Shakespeare (Paul Mescal) and his wife, Agnes (Jessie Buckley), after the death of their young son. Introduced by none other than Hollywood legend Steven Spielberg, who co-produced the film through Amblin Entertainment, Zhao’s presence was nothing short of magnetic.
Spielberg set the tone with a thought-provoking statement: ‘I believe the earth has a heartbeat—a 24/7 seismic cycle that connects us all. Chloé Zhao taps into this heartbeat in a way few artists can. It’s the source of her art, the pulse she brings to her set and her cast every day.’ He went on to say, ‘When you watch Hamnet, you’ll feel that seismic heartbeat because of Chloé.’ This idea—that a film can channel something so primal and universal—is both captivating and polarizing. Do you think art can truly bridge the gap between the human experience and the natural world? Let us know in the comments.
Zhao, visibly moved, spoke passionately about the film’s creation, which she co-wrote with Northern Irish writer Maggie O’Farrell, based on O’Farrell’s 2020 novel. ‘Bringing Hamnet home today feels like a gift,’ she shared. ‘Making this film on this island, with this community, gave me a sense of belonging and safety I’ve never known before. It helped me through a very difficult time in my life.’ Her words underscored the film’s themes of connection and resilience, leaving the audience eager to experience the story for themselves.
And then came the meditation. With Mescal, Buckley, and producer Sam Mendes on stage, Zhao led the entire theater in a collective moment of mindfulness. Palms to chest, breaths synchronized, the room became a testament to the power of shared humanity. And this is the part most people miss: In a world that often feels fragmented, moments like these remind us of our capacity for unity. But does a guided meditation before a film screening enhance the viewing experience, or is it just a gimmick? Weigh in below.
Earlier on the red carpet, Paul Mescal shared a candid moment with The Hollywood Reporter, reflecting on his serendipitous meeting with Zhao at Telluride. ‘I shamelessly put myself in position for this film,’ he admitted with a laugh. ‘I read the book and thought, ‘This is it.’ I’m grateful Chloé agreed.’ His passion for the project is undeniable, and it’s no surprise that both he and Buckley are already generating Oscar buzz following screenings at Telluride and TIFF. When asked about the awards chatter, Mescal remained grounded: ‘It’s out of your hands when you’re making it, but the fact that people want to talk about it means something. I’m just proud they’re seeing the film we intended to make.’
As the BFI London Film Festival continues through October 19, Hamnet is poised to be one of its most talked-about entries. But the real question remains: Can a film about grief transcend its subject matter and connect us to something greater? Bold claim or profound truth? Share your thoughts—we’re all ears.
