In 2020, Nomadland won the Venice and Toronto film festivals and dominated awards season, taking home the Oscar, Golden Globe, and BAFTA for Best Picture.

Its director, Chloé Zhao—already highly respected in independent cinema—became one of the most widely acclaimed filmmakers in Hollywood.

Six years later, the Chinese filmmaker has once again won over critics with Hamnet, based on the acclaimed novel by Maggie O’Farrell.

Its story centers on Agnes Shakespeare, the wife of the celebrated English playwright, and the creation of the tragedy Hamlet.

The film explores themes such as family, grief, and artistic inspiration through the sensitivity and realism that characterize Zhao’s work.

With Steven Spielberg and Sam Mendes as producers, it is considered an “emotionally devastating” masterpiece.

Critics have praised Paul Mescal’s superb performance, but it is the lead, Jessie Buckley, who emerges as the film’s true gem.

The Irish actress is emerging as the strongest Oscar contender after her wins at the Critics’ Choice Awards and the Golden Globes.

Likewise, the film’s wins at the Toronto Film Festival and the Golden Globes position it as the main challenger to One Battle After Another in the race for the statuette.

Described as an “expressionist marvel,” Hamnet—Chloé Zhao’s crowning achievement—hits theaters this Friday, January 23.