Your Huntsville Connection to
In Partnership with the Algonquin Theatre
Reel Alternatives Huntsville
Presents
HAMNET
Monday, March 23, 2026
*** MATINEE & EVENING SHOWS ***
2pm & 7pm
Sponsored by:
Winner, People’s Choice Award, TIFF 2025
Nominated for 8 Academy Awards, including Best Picture, Best Director, and Best Actress
Winner, Golden Globes Best Motion Picture - Drama and Best Lead Actress, Motion Picture – Drama
From Academy Award winning writer/director Chloé Zhao (Nomadland), Hamnet tells the powerful story of love and loss that inspired the creation of Shakespeare's timeless masterpiece, Hamlet.
In William Shakespeare’s day, the names Hamlet and Hamnet were interchangeable. This film uses that context as the basis for a tender exploration of Shakespeare’s domestic life, connecting a family tragedy to one of his most famous works. Maybe we can better understand Hamlet, Zhao suggests, if we consider that it was developed while the most famous writer in the Western canon was mourning the death of his 11-year-old son, Hamnet.
Based on the novel by Maggie O’Farrell, Hamnet’s main character isn’t The Bard — played here by an impressive Paul Mescal — or even the child who gives the film its name. Hamnet belongs to Agnes, Shakespeare’s thoughtful wife, played by an enthralling Jessie Buckley, who bathes the film in her warmth.
Grief is a theme here, but Hamnet is not just a film about death. Early scenes of Agnes and William’s courtship are naturalistic, rendered through lush cinematography. Like any family story, this one contains joy alongside sorrow.
Director: Chloé Zhao
United Kingdom | 2025 | 125m | English
Cast: Jessie Buckley, Paul Mescal, Emily Watson, Joe Alwyn
Distributor: Universal Films Canada
Content Advisory: Child death, depiction of near stillbirth
Follow us on social media:
TICKET SALES:
Algonquin Theatre
Skip the line! Reserve in advance with easy online, phone or in-person ticket sales:
-
705-789-4975 or 1-877-989-4975
-
Canada Summit Centre Customer Service Desk Monday - Friday, 8:30am - 4:30pm
At the door:
Doors open at 30 minutes before screening time. Arrive by 20 minutes early if purchasing tickets at the theatre.
Tickets - $10
Mailing Address:
Reel Alternatives Huntsville
3 Main St W, Suite 1029
Huntsville, Ontario
P1H 2C5
Email:
reelalternatives2023@gmail.com
What's On at Muskoka's Other TIFF Film Circuit Groups
Become a Reel Alternatives Film Sponsor
Ever thought about sponsoring a film? Support the arts and promote your business or organization by sponsoring one of Reel Alternatives upcoming films. Learn more here or contact our newest committee member, Leslie Hutcheson.
So Long & Thank You ROB!
What would Reel Alternatives Huntsville be without Rob Saunders? It’s hard to imagine after almost 28 years, but the time has come for us to find out now that he’s bowed out from the committee after making the decision to move closer to family.
As a founding member of Reel Alternatives (since 1998!), Rob wore the mantle of President for most of his time with the group. His guidance, flexibility, energy and passion for film – and for bringing quality films to Huntsville – has made Reel Alternatives what it is today, and what it will continue to be in the future. We couldn't be more grateful, and want to wish him all the best. Thanks SO MUCH, Rob!
About Reel Alternatives Huntsville
Working with the Film Circuit, the Toronto International Film Festival's nationwide outreach program, Reel Alternatives Huntsville is committed to bringing fine Canadian and international films to enrich the cultural experience of our community. In partnership with Algonquin Theatre in Huntsville, Reel Alternatives presents films on select Mondays from September through June. Committee members currently include: Laura Kennedy, Cheryl Stamper, Cydney Jones, Geordie Sabbagh and our most newest committee member, Leslie Hutcheson.
Discover Huntsville Public Library's Reel Alternatives DVD Collection
Have you missed one of our films or would like to watch something again? Check out the Reel Alternatives DVD collection available free with your library card at Huntsville Public Library! The collection has been purchased with donations from Reel Alternatives and includes many films that we've presented as well as classics and other titles.