"Hamnet" actress Jessie Buckley on how Shakespeare changed everything for her
Jessie Buckley, a name increasingly whispered with reverence within the acting world, is on the precipice of global recognition, a transformation catalyzed by her latest tour-de-force performance in "Hamnet." Though once dubbed "the acting world’s best-kept secret" by The Telegraph, her portrayal in the film adaptation of Maggie O’Farrell’s acclaimed novel is swiftly changing that narrative. Rolling Stone, among other critics, has unequivocally stated that audiences "will be talking about Jessie Buckley’s performance for years," cementing her status as a formidable talent.
In "Hamnet," Buckley steps into the complex shoes of Agnes Shakespeare, the enigmatic wife of William Shakespeare, played by her fellow Irish actor, Paul Mescal. The film, a richly imagined historical fiction, delves into the devastating personal tragedy of the Bard – the death of his young son, Hamnet – and poignantly theorizes how this profound loss might have served as the emotional crucible for his timeless masterpiece, "Hamlet." It’s a role that demanded an extraordinary emotional commitment, a challenge Buckley met with characteristic intensity and vulnerability.
"I just knew I had to go somewhere mentally, emotionally," Buckley reflected on her deep dive into the character. Her performances are often characterized by an undeniable, raw energy, a palpable "fire" that ignites the screen. When probed about this internal flame, she responded with a playful self-awareness, "I don’t know, do you?" before conceding the interviewer’s observation. Yet, for Buckley, "Hamnet" offered more than just an outlet for her fiery spirit. "I have fire, but I tell you what ‘Hamnet’ gave me, which I also was looking for, was tenderness. And sometimes it’s just as strong as fire." This duality, the seamless intertwining of fierce passion and profound gentleness, is precisely what makes her portrayal of Agnes so captivating and deeply human.
Preparing for the emotionally arduous scenes, particularly those depicting the death of a child, necessitated a unique approach for Buckley. She recalled telling her husband that she needed two weeks away, retreating to Hampstead Heath, a sprawling green expanse in London. Here, she engaged in a ritualistic morning swim, a stark immersion in nature. "I just need to be in nature and start my day and wake up that way, and then go to the set and see what came out," she explained. This process highlights her commitment to embodying her characters from a deeply intuitive and embodied place, allowing the raw elements of nature to cleanse and prepare her for the emotional demands of the day.
Director Chloé Zhao, an Oscar-winner renowned for her naturalistic and empathetic storytelling in films like "Nomadland," imparted a crucial philosophy to Buckley: cinema is far more than mere escapism. "Our jobs as actors and the storytellers are to touch the most heightened expressions that are too hard to hold on our own," Buckley recounted Zhao’s wisdom. This resonated deeply with Buckley, who embraces the role of an emotional conduit. "I get to incubate the bits of us, myself, the shadow bits," she mused, hinting at the darker, more challenging aspects of the human psyche she explores through her craft. When pressed to reveal her own "shadow bits" that emerged for the role, she playfully demurred, inviting viewers to discern them for themselves, a testament to her belief in the audience’s active engagement with her work.
Buckley’s ascent to this level of acclaim has been a journey marked by consistent, powerful performances. Her breakthrough came in 2018 with "Wild Rose," where she garnered widespread critical attention for her electrifying performance as a Glaswegian single mother fresh out of prison, fiercely pursuing her dream of becoming a country music star. The film not only showcased her raw acting talent but also her impressive vocal abilities. This was followed by a career-defining turn in 2022, earning her an Oscar nomination for Best Supporting Actress in Maggie Gyllenhaal’s psychological drama "The Lost Daughter," a complex exploration of motherhood and regret. Her diverse filmography further includes critically lauded titles such as Charlie Kaufman’s "I’m Thinking of Ending Things," the dark thriller "Beast," the poignant "Women Talking," and a memorable role in the television series "Fargo."
Despite this impressive resume, Buckley retains a grounded humility about her cinematic career. "I never in a million years thought I’d make a film," she confessed, attributing this surprise to her upbringing. "I didn’t have a TV ’til I was 15," she explained, recalling how the world of Hollywood seemed "exotic" and far removed from her reality in County Kerry, Ireland.
Growing up in the rugged, picturesque landscape of Ireland’s southeast, Buckley was immersed in an artistic household. Her early years were filled with music, playing the harp, clarinet, and piano, alongside singing and participating in school theatrical productions. However, it was the British talent show "I’d Do Anything," a competition to cast the lead role in a West End revival, that propelled her onto a larger public stage. Though she ultimately lost the competition, her undeniable talent captivated audiences and, notably, impressed Andrew Lloyd Webber, who famously declared that "Jessie has the sacred flame of star quality." This endorsement, despite not winning, opened doors for her in the theater world.
Her transition from musical theater to dramatic acting, particularly Shakespeare, proved to be a pivotal moment. She quickly secured theater roles, including her first Shakespearean performance near the very spot in London where the Bard’s early plays were first staged – the original Rose Playhouse, built in 1587. It was here that she experienced a profound shift. "Shakespeare changed everything for her," she affirmed. "I think before, I felt like music was the only way to contain what was kind of wanting to come out, and then Shakespeare’s words and his worlds were so titanic that it just made me realize how powerful words could be." This realization expanded her artistic canvas, demonstrating that the profound emotional depths she sought to express could be channeled through the intricate tapestry of language, not just melody.
Working opposite Paul Mescal in "Hamnet" was a joyful experience. "I absolutely adore that man," Buckley enthused. Their on-screen chemistry, a crucial element for the film’s success, was evident from their very first "chemistry read." Buckley jokingly acknowledged the expectation inherent in such a test: "I mean, it would be really depressing if I didn’t, wouldn’t it? I’d be like the only woman in the world who failed to find chemistry with Paul Mescal!" Their shared Irish heritage and professional respect undoubtedly contributed to the authentic and moving dynamic portrayed between Agnes and Will.
Looking ahead, the 35-year-old actor continues to push boundaries with her choices. Her next project sees her starring alongside Christian Bale in "The Bride!", a highly anticipated reimagining of the Bride of Frankenstein’s monster, directed by Maggie Gyllenhaal. Buckley described the script as genre- and expectation-bending, declaring it "punk, it is proper punk." Her visceral reaction to the material speaks volumes about its power: "I remember when I read it first, it was like being plugged into an electrical socket." Gyllenhaal herself has referred to Buckley as "kind of a wild animal," a description Buckley embraces with a confident "Hmm. Good." When asked if there was truth to the statement, she simply replied, "I have a lot of life in me!" a sentiment that perfectly encapsulates the vibrant, untamed energy she brings to her roles.
Indeed, that profound "life and vitality" seen on screen is a testament to a personal journey of resilience. Buckley candidly shared that her teenage years were a "dark place." "I had depression and I wasn’t very well," she admitted, reflecting on a time when she felt an intense "hunger" for life but perceived no outlet for it. "And I felt like there was no place for that. And I think that’s when it imploded in on me, and when I got sick and lost myself, you know?" Her path to healing involved seeking professional help. "I got help," she stated, "I got therapy. Singing. I mean, I honestly think it’s kind of saved me." This candid revelation underscores the deep well of empathy and understanding she brings to her characters, suggesting that her ability to inhabit complex emotional landscapes stems from her own experiences and triumphs over adversity. "Something wasn’t alive then, let’s just say, like it is now," she concluded, a powerful statement highlighting her growth and the vibrant life force that now defines her both on and off screen.
With "Hamnet" poised to captivate audiences and "The Bride!" on the horizon, Jessie Buckley is no longer a secret. She is a force, a chameleon of character, and an artist whose powerful performances resonate deeply, transforming the cinematic landscape with every role she undertakes. Her journey, from the artistic heart of County Kerry to the global stage, is a compelling narrative of talent, tenacity, and the transformative power of art.
