Hamnet: A Vida Antes de Hamlet has early screenings on January 9 and 10; official release is January 15 in cinemas across Brazil.
Universal Pictures is launching advance ticket sales for the special early screenings of “Hamnet: A Vida Antes de Hamlet” (Hamnet), directed by Oscar winner Chloé Zhao (Nomadland) and starring Critics Choice Award winner Jessie Buckley for her performance in the film. The official release is set for January 15, 2026, but the feature will have early showings on January 9 and 10, Friday and Saturday, in movie theaters across Brazil.
The film Hamnet: A Vida Antes de Hamlet is based on Maggie O’Farrell’s acclaimed novel and won the People’s Choice Award at the Toronto International Film Festival. After its international screenings, it has emerged as one of the key contenders in the upcoming awards season.
In Brazil, Hamnet also stood out as the closing film of the 2025 Festival do Rio in Rio de Janeiro, increasing anticipation for its commercial theatrical run.
Produced by Oscar winners Steven Spielberg and Sam Mendes, the feature has a screenplay by Maggie O’Farrell and Chloé Zhao, who also directs. The cast includes Paul Mescal, from Gladiator II, and Jessie Buckley, from Women Talking, both praised by international critics for their powerful performances.
The story of Hamnet: A Vida Antes de Hamlet follows Agnes (Jessie Buckley), wife of William Shakespeare (Paul Mescal), as she confronts the grief of losing her son, Hamnet. Poignant and deeply human, the film explores mourning, resilience and meaning-making, while revealing the emotional background that leads to the creation of Hamlet, Shakespeare’s most famous play.
Distributed by Universal Pictures, Hamnet: A Vida Antes de Hamlet opens in Brazilian theaters on January 15, 2026, with accessible versions to reach a broader audience.
Watch the trailer for Hamnet: A Vida Antes de Hamlet:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Uj_kEvM-OtM
Service
Title: Hamnet: A Vida Antes de Hamlet (Hamnet)
Early screenings: January 9 and 10, 2026 (Friday and Saturday)
Official release: January 15, 2026
Where: Movie theaters across Brazil
Director: Chloé Zhao
Screenplay: Maggie O’Farrell and Chloé Zhao
Producers: Steven Spielberg, Sam Mendes, Liza Marshall, Pippa Harris, Nic Gonda, Kristie Macosko Krieger, Laurie Borg and Chloé Zhao
Cast: Jessie Buckley, Paul Mescal, Emily Watson, Joe Alwyn
Distributor: Universal Pictures
