Jessie Buckley

Jessie Buckley, an award-winning actor known for her compelling film and stage roles, discusses her transformative journey through motherhood after filming "Hamnet." She reflects on the vulnerabilities she portrayed as Agnes and how those experiences shaped her maternal identity. Jessie shares her awe in early parenthood, her desire for bodily autonomy during birth, and the emotional depth gleaned from a powerful grief scene. She also reads a poignant Modern Love essay about generational ties, emphasizing how mothers can break cycles of loss and inspire hope.

Paul Mescal, an acclaimed Irish actor famed for his roles in Aftersun and Normal People, stars as William Shakespeare in the film adaptation of Hamnet. Jessie Buckley, an award-nominated actress known for The Lost Daughter, plays Agnes. Together, they delve into the humanizing narrative of Shakespeare’s family as portrayed by Maggie O'Farrell. Their discussion reveals the depth of Shakespeare's son Hamnet and the emotional weight of his family’s story. They also share their favorite reads and admit to classics still left on their shelves.