Chloé Zhao's latest feature, "Hamnet," is a film that feels like a spiritual excavation rather than a traditional period drama. The director's decade-long journey across America has brought her to this point, where she channels feminine power and confronts parts of herself she had kept contained.
"We're experiencing our tools to bring us to the present moment, moment by moment," Zhao explains in an interview. "So it doesn't feel like we did it because it's channeled. It came through us." This approach allowed her to create a character that embodies powerful feminine energy, something she had previously avoided exploring.
The four-year gap between Marvel's "Eternals" and "Hamnet" was not an absence but a necessary metamorphosis for Zhao. Her first three films changed her life, and the experience provided a container for her to erupt, as seen in "Eternals." It took her time to cool down the lava, learn new tools, and reshape it into something that could examine the nature of humanity on her terms.
In "Hamnet," Zhao created a character that requires vulnerability and surrender. The film's emotional centerpiece features Jessie Buckley's character confronting unimaginable loss, and the delicate balance between preparation and surrender is crucial to the scene. The director's approach allows for a cathartic experience, where the audience feels together with the characters, watching them feel and transform.
Nature plays a significant role in the film, serving as a head of department on set. A void in an ancient forest inspired the central metaphor – connecting the Globe Theatre stage to something primordial and eternal. The director's use of nature highlights its importance as a symbol for human connection and transformation.
The upcoming "Buffy the Vampire Slayer" sequel pilot requires a different skill set, according to Zhao. She wants audiences to take away not only emotional responses but also an understanding of metamorphosis – the power to transform through great tragedy. This is something that can occur at any stage in life, taking various forms and shapes.
In her next project, the director aims to bridge two generations and create a show that resonates with both old and new fans. The fandom's importance is emphasized, as it provides a mirrored reflection of the original fanbase. Sarah Michelle Gellar will reprise her role as Buffy Summers, and the OG characters will return.
Zhao's journey to becoming a filmmaker was not easy. She initially aimed to be a manga artist or private detective but eventually discovered her passion for storytelling through filmmaking. The director credits Wong Kar-wai's "Happy Together" and Terrence Malick's work with inspiring her to pursue a career in film.
The upcoming podcast episode will also feature an interview with Regina Hall, as well as discussions on Netflix contenders, regional festival winners, and dark horses in the Oscar race.
"We're experiencing our tools to bring us to the present moment, moment by moment," Zhao explains in an interview. "So it doesn't feel like we did it because it's channeled. It came through us." This approach allowed her to create a character that embodies powerful feminine energy, something she had previously avoided exploring.
The four-year gap between Marvel's "Eternals" and "Hamnet" was not an absence but a necessary metamorphosis for Zhao. Her first three films changed her life, and the experience provided a container for her to erupt, as seen in "Eternals." It took her time to cool down the lava, learn new tools, and reshape it into something that could examine the nature of humanity on her terms.
In "Hamnet," Zhao created a character that requires vulnerability and surrender. The film's emotional centerpiece features Jessie Buckley's character confronting unimaginable loss, and the delicate balance between preparation and surrender is crucial to the scene. The director's approach allows for a cathartic experience, where the audience feels together with the characters, watching them feel and transform.
Nature plays a significant role in the film, serving as a head of department on set. A void in an ancient forest inspired the central metaphor – connecting the Globe Theatre stage to something primordial and eternal. The director's use of nature highlights its importance as a symbol for human connection and transformation.
The upcoming "Buffy the Vampire Slayer" sequel pilot requires a different skill set, according to Zhao. She wants audiences to take away not only emotional responses but also an understanding of metamorphosis – the power to transform through great tragedy. This is something that can occur at any stage in life, taking various forms and shapes.
In her next project, the director aims to bridge two generations and create a show that resonates with both old and new fans. The fandom's importance is emphasized, as it provides a mirrored reflection of the original fanbase. Sarah Michelle Gellar will reprise her role as Buffy Summers, and the OG characters will return.
Zhao's journey to becoming a filmmaker was not easy. She initially aimed to be a manga artist or private detective but eventually discovered her passion for storytelling through filmmaking. The director credits Wong Kar-wai's "Happy Together" and Terrence Malick's work with inspiring her to pursue a career in film.
The upcoming podcast episode will also feature an interview with Regina Hall, as well as discussions on Netflix contenders, regional festival winners, and dark horses in the Oscar race.
but like, doesn't her last film just feel like a bunch of hippie nonsense? 
is that really what art should be about? "we're experiencing our tools to bring us to the present moment" sounds like something my yoga instructor would say... anywayz back to zhao, i guess she's onto something with this whole feminine power thing, but can't we just explore it in a more concrete way instead of all abstract vibes? 
also, what's up with her going from marvel to buffy the vampire slayer? is she trying to cash in on the whole nostalgia thing or something? 