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Jessie Buckley’s ‘Hamnet’ opens in cinemas this weekend
Cinema-goers in Killarney will have the chance to see local star Jessie Buckley on the big screen from this Friday when her latest film Hamnet opens at Cinema Killarney on East Avenue.
The release comes amid major international attention for the Killarney-born actress, who is at the centre of awards season buzz following her performance in the film.
Buckley, 36, recently won Best Actress at the Critics Choice Awards in Santa Monica for her role and is widely tipped for further honours as the Golden Globes, BAFTAs and Oscars approach.
Directed by Academy Award winner Chloé Zhao, Hamnet is based on Maggie O’Farrell’s bestselling novel and tells the story behind the creation of Shakespeare’s Hamlet. Rather than focusing on the playwright himself, the film centres on his wife Agnes, played by Buckley, and the impact of personal loss on their family. Paul Mescal co-stars as William Shakespeare.
Buckley’s performance has been widely praised by critics, with strong reviews highlighting her portrayal of a woman grounded in nature and shaped by grief, motherhood and resilience in 16th-century England. The film explores themes of love, loss and creativity, with Agnes at its emotional core.
While awards speculation continues, local audiences can now judge the performance for themselves. The opening of Hamnet in Killarney is a notable moment for the town, allowing cinema-goers to see one of its own in a leading role that has drawn international acclaim.
