Review by Therese H

Starring Jessie Buckley, Paul Mescal; Directed by Chloé Zhao

The first half or more of this film is lively and engaging but perhaps not that remarkable. Agnes, the free-spirited wife of William Shakespeare, is portrayed by Jessie Buckley as a forceful and independent woman more than capable of raising her three children alone during Will's long absences in London. Then their son Hamnet dies of plague, and the drama moves up several gears.

The couple's relationship becomes strained under the impact of grief. Their lives diverge, as Will (sympathetically played by a perhaps underrated Paul Mescal) takes refuge in his work in London, seemingly unable or unwilling to condole with his wife. Meanwhile, Agnes' rawly emotional journey is brilliantly acted by Buckley, particularly during the final extraordinarily moving scenes - which also provide something of a redemption for Will. Her performance is deservedly winning awards and accolades, and quite honestly, I don't think I've ever seen anything like it.