Imagine a room filled with anticipation, where the air crackles with excitement as thousands gather for the London Film Festival premiere of Hamnet. But here’s where it gets truly captivating: before the lights dim, Oscar-winning director Chloé Zhao leads the audience—including Hollywood legend Steven Spielberg, stars Paul Mescal and Jessie Buckley, and even producer Sam Mendes—in a guided meditation. Yes, you read that right. A meditation. And this is the part most people miss: it’s not just about calming nerves; it’s about grounding everyone in the profound connection Zhao sees between art, humanity, and the earth itself. Bold statement alert: Zhao believes her work taps into the literal heartbeat of the planet—a 24/7 seismic rhythm that binds us all. Spielberg himself gushed about this, calling it the source of Zhao’s genius. But is this just poetic flair, or is there something deeper at play? Let’s dive in.
Spielberg, who co-produced Hamnet through Amblin Entertainment, set the stage with a heartfelt introduction. “I truly believe the earth has a heartbeat,” he said, “and Chloé Zhao has connected to it in a way that’s nothing short of profound. It’s where her art comes from—what she brings to the set, to her cast, and to this film.” He promised the audience that Zhao’s vision would allow them to feel this “seismic heartbeat” while watching Hamnet. Whether you buy into the metaphor or not, it’s hard to deny the emotional weight of his words.
Hamnet, co-written by Zhao and Northern Irish author Maggie O’Farrell, is a gut-wrenching period drama based on O’Farrell’s 2020 novel. It stars Paul Mescal as William Shakespeare and Jessie Buckley as his wife, Agnes, exploring their contrasting experiences of grief after the death of their young son. The film has already sparked awards buzz following screenings at Telluride and TIFF, with both leads tipped as Oscar frontrunners. But beyond the accolades, Zhao’s personal connection to the project is what truly stands out.
Taking the stage to thunderous applause, Zhao spoke emotionally about the film’s impact on her life. “Making this film on this island, with this village, has given me a deep sense of belonging, of community, of safety,” she shared, her voice trembling. “It helped me through a very difficult time.” Her words weren’t just about the film—they were about the power of art to heal and connect. Controversial question: Can a movie really tap into something as vast as the earth’s heartbeat, or is this just artistic hyperbole? Let’s discuss in the comments.
After her speech, Zhao led the audience in a meditative session, a ritual she’s repeated at previous screenings. With palms to chests and breaths synchronized, the room became a collective moment of stillness—a rare pause in the chaos of a film festival. It’s a practice that might seem out of place in the glitz of Hollywood, but it underscores Zhao’s unique approach to filmmaking.
Paul Mescal, speaking to The Hollywood Reporter on the red carpet, admitted he’d practically campaigned for the role. “I loved the book so much,” he said. “I shamelessly put myself in position for this film, and I’m so glad Chloé agreed.” His chemistry with Buckley and Zhao’s direction have already made waves, but Mescal remains grounded about the awards buzz. “It’s out of your hands when you’re making it,” he said. “But I’m proud people are recognizing the film we made—not seeing something else entirely. That’s always the fear.”
As the festival continues (October 8-19), Hamnet is poised to be one of its most talked-about films. But beyond the accolades and the meditation, it raises a bigger question: Can art truly connect us to something greater than ourselves? Spielberg and Zhao seem to think so. What do you think? Is this just poetic license, or is there something universal in Zhao’s vision? Share your thoughts below—let’s keep the conversation going.
