Chloe Zhao reveals how the cast and crew of 'Hamnet' dealt with emotions on set

Director Chloe Zhao has shared an intimate look at how the cast and crew of Hamnet managed the intense emotions that arose while making the film. Posting on Instagram, Zhao described a unique practice called “Dance Takes,” which the team used to release and transform their feelings.

“After traveling with Hamnet for months, meeting so many of you in person and watching online audience reactions from around the world, our hearts are FULL,” Zhao wrote. “We made the film for you, so we thank you for keeping your hearts open and for feeling so deeply.”

Zhao explained that the emotional weight of filming was managed through movement, breathing, sound, and dance. “Some of you have asked me what to do with all the emotions and how my cast and crew release them on set and the answer is: Dance Takes! ✨” she said.

“We believe emotion is energy in motion. So to discharge, we move, we breathe, we make sound and we dance, so we are never too scared to feel our rawest emotions and we don’t store them in our bodies.”

Zhao concluded by reflecting on the power of Shakespeare’s work to unite people. “This is why Shakespeare wrote his plays and why he brought people together in the Globe. We hope we made him proud!”

Hamnet, adapted from Maggie O’Farrell’s award-winning novel, tells the story of Shakespeare’s son and explores grief, love, and family. Zhao’s approach to harnessing emotion on set highlights her commitment to authenticity and collaboration, creating a creative environment where actors and crew could process the story’s intense themes together.