Picture this: Oscar-winning director Chloé Zhao transforms a high-profile London Film Festival event into a serene, ground-shaking moment of collective calm before the world premiere of her latest film, Hamnet. It's the kind of unexpected twist that grabs your attention right away, blending Hollywood glamour with a touch of spirituality that leaves you wondering what comes next in this story of grief, creativity, and connection.
But here's where it all began: Zhao, the visionary behind blockbusters like Nomadland and Eternals, took the stage at London's iconic Royal Festival Hall on Saturday, following an introduction from none other than Hollywood legend Steven Spielberg. As a co-producer of Hamnet through his Amblin Entertainment banner, Spielberg didn't just welcome the crowd—he delivered a poetic tribute that set the tone for the evening.
'I need to share something important before you see this film,' Spielberg explained to the audience. 'I truly believe the Earth has its own heartbeat, a constant, rhythmic pulse beneath our feet that's part of a 24/7 seismic cycle. We're all linked to it, but Chloé Zhao taps into it on a deeper level—this is the source of her art, the energy she brings to every set, and what she shares with her cast daily.'
And this is the part most people miss—Spielberg went on to say, 'When you watch Hamnet, you'll sense that Earth's seismic heartbeat pulsing through it, all thanks to Chloé Zhao.' For beginners diving into film festivals, think of this as Spielberg highlighting how Zhao's unique, earth-connected philosophy infuses her work with a raw, authentic power, making her stories feel alive and urgent.
The room erupted in applause as Zhao stepped forward, visibly moved. She shared heartfelt reflections on creating Hamnet, a poignant period drama co-written with Northern Irish author Maggie O’Farrell and adapted from O’Farrell's 2020 novel. The film stars Paul Mescal as the legendary William Shakespeare and Jessie Buckley as his wife, Agnes, exploring their contrasting journeys through profound sorrow after the loss of their young son, Hamnet. It's a tale that delves into themes of loss and resilience, making it accessible even for those new to historical dramas by focusing on universal emotions like grief and family bonds.
'I'm overwhelmed with gratitude because today, we're bringing Hamnet back home,' Zhao said, her voice thick with emotion. 'Filming on this island, in this village, has given me a profound sense of belonging, community, and security that I've never felt before. It carried me through one of the toughest periods in my life.' To put this in context, Zhao, who hails from China, found in the UK's landscape and crew a nurturing environment that contrasted with her usual experiences, perhaps mirroring the film's own exploration of finding solace amidst tragedy.
Following her speech, a hush fell over the thousands in attendance as Zhao guided them through a meditative exercise. With Paul Mescal, Jessie Buckley, and producer Sam Mendes joining in on stage, everyone placed their palms on their chests and synchronized their breathing to a rhythmic in-and-out pattern. Zhao had done something similar before the film's Toronto International Film Festival screening last month, suggesting this ritual has become a signature way for her to align the audience with the film's introspective mood.
But here's where it gets controversial—incorporating meditation into a film premiere might seem like an unconventional choice for some, raising questions about whether directors should blend personal spiritual practices with professional events. Is it a refreshing way to deepen the audience's engagement, or does it risk alienating those who prefer straightforward Hollywood glamour? And Spielberg's emphasis on the 'Earth's heartbeat' could spark debate: is it a poetic metaphor for nature's influence on art, or an overly mystical interpretation that might not resonate with everyone? What do you think—should filmmakers infuse their philosophical beliefs into pre-screening moments to enhance the experience?
Meanwhile, Paul Mescal chatted with The Hollywood Reporter on the red carpet, reflecting on his journey with the project. 'Thank goodness we both attended Telluride at the same time,' he said of meeting Zhao. At that festival, Zhao revealed to THR that she couldn't imagine making Hamnet without encountering the Irish actor.
'I adored the book immensely,' added Mescal, known for roles in Gladiator II and Aftersun. 'It was one of those rare occasions where I positioned myself eagerly for a role—I thought, "This could be perfect," and I'm thrilled Chloé felt the same way.'
Regarding the growing awards buzz after screenings at Telluride and TIFF, where THR's current predictions position both leads as strong Oscar contenders, Mescal observed, 'That's beyond our control during production, but it indicates a real hunger from viewers to discuss it. Whatever happens next is fine by me, but I'm proud that audiences are recognizing the film we created, not some altered version. That's always the worry.' For newcomers to the awards scene, this buzz highlights how early festival reactions can build momentum, turning a heartfelt drama into a potential awards season favorite.
The BFI London Film Festival 2025 continues through October 19, offering more cinematic discoveries beyond this memorable evening.
What are your thoughts? Do you see value in these meditative interludes, or do they detract from the excitement of a premiere? And does Spielberg's view of the Earth's heartbeat as a creative force change how you think about filmmaking? Drop your opinions in the comments—we'd love to hear agreements, disagreements, or even counterpoints!
