"Hamnet" trailer: Paul Mescal and Jesse Buckley star in Oscar-buzzy period piece from director Chloe Zhao

A strong trailer can build serious buzz, even for a drama as searing as ‘Hamnet.’ Maggie O’Farrell’s novel was a literary sensation, reimagining the real-life tragedy of William Shakespeare and Anne Hathaway (not that Anne Hathaway) losing their son Hamnet at the age of 11. For the film, Shakespeare’s wife is renamed Agnes, but the spirit remains intact. O’Farrell co-wrote the screenplay with director Chloé Zhao, the Oscar winner behind ‘Nomadland.'

The cast leans prestige: Paul Mescal takes on Shakespeare, while Jessie Buckley plays Agnes. Mescal first made waves with his breakout role as Connell in the hit TV adaptation of 'Normal People,' earning critical acclaim and an Emmy nomination for his sensitive, nuanced performance. Since then, he’s carefully picked roles in films like 'Aftersun' that showcase his range and emotional depth. Buckley, meanwhile, has been a force across stage and screen, earning acclaim for her work in 'Chernobyl,' 'Wild Rose,' and 'Women Talking,' combining raw vulnerability with striking intensity. Both are expected to be on shortlists for Oscar nomination consideration. 

‘Hamnet’ is set to debut at TIFF in September, with a limited theatrical release on November 27, perfect timing for Thanksgiving audiences, before going wide a couple of weeks later. Sure, it’s just a trailer for now, but it’s a strong one, and combined with the story, the cast, and Chloé Zhao at the helm, this is shaping up to be one of the fall’s must-watch prestige films.