In preparing for his role as William Shakespeare in the film Hamnet, Irish actor Paul Mescal focused on understanding the emotional turmoil of parents coping with the death of a child rather than the historical context of the era. He noted that men's experiences of grief differ from those of women, suggesting that there are distinct contrasts in how different genders process sorrow. This perspective invites a deeper examination of emotional vulnerability in men, a theme Mescal aims to convey in his performance.

Mescal highlights the dynamic between William and his wife Agnes as they face the loss of their child. While Agnes stays at home with their other children, William's sudden departure to London can be interpreted as an escape, yet Mescal clarifies that he views it as a journey towards understanding and confronting the pain. The film illustrates these complexities, particularly in how Shakespeare ultimately channels his grief in creating Hamlet, a tragedy that serves both as his expression of sorrow and a pathway towards family reconciliation.

With eight Oscar nominations, the film was shot chronologically, allowing the actors, including Mescal, to fully immerse themselves in their characters' emotional arcs. Director Chloe Zhao was particularly impressed with Mescal's ability to convey a wide range of feelings in a single glance, showcasing the power of nuanced performances in depicting sensitive themes like grief and vulnerability.