Chloé Zhao on “Hamnet,” Her Film About William Shakespeare’s Grief

Chloé Zhao discusses her upcoming film, *Hamnet*, which explores the life of William Shakespeare as a young man grieving the loss of his son. Zhao was initially hesitant about the project until Paul Mescal's involvement and the book's detailed internal landscapes drew her in. The natural world, particularly forests, played a significant role in shaping the film's visual language, symbolizing a journey into the underworld and oneself. Zhao also addresses her approach to adapting manga IP through her new studio, emphasizing the importance of understanding the source material's cultural and spiritual context. Furthermore, she touches on being neurodivergent and how her sensitivities influence her filmmaking process, both challenging and empowering her on set.