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Max Richter's Score Elevates Grief in Chloé Zhao's Hamnet

11/27/2025

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Summary

Story summary

Max Richter's 'On the Nature of Daylight' plays a pivotal role in Chloé Zhao's film Hamnet, about William Shakespeare and his wife Agnes.
The film diverges from Hamlet, instead focusing on grief after their son Hamnet dies.
Richter says the inclusion was not planned but became integral to the film's emotional climax.
The composer adds the music should support the story's psychology without overshadowing the actors.

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Story summary

Max Richter's 'On the Nature of Daylight' plays a pivotal role in Chloé Zhao's film Hamnet, about William Shakespeare and his wife Agnes.
The film diverges from Hamlet, instead focusing on grief after their son Hamnet dies.
Richter says the inclusion was not planned but became integral to the film's emotional climax.
The composer adds the music should support the story's psychology without overshadowing the actors.