Day 1 Coverage at the 2025 Telluride Film Festival: 'La Grazia,' 'Blue Moon,' 'Hamnet' Screenings
The Telluride Film Festival, known for its flexibility and adaptability, has recently unveiled two highly anticipated films – Chloé Zhao's Hamnet and Paolo Sorrentino's La Grazia.
In Hamnet, director Chloé Zhao delves into the tragic tale of William Shakespeare's only son, based on the book by Maggie O'Farrell. The period piece, which feels like a documentary made in the time period, stars Paul Mescal as William and Jessie Buckley as Agnes. Mescal's performance is deft in portraying the wordsmith desperately trying to find the words to deal with life, while Buckley's raw, instinctual portrayal is destined to head the lists of best actress discussions. The story is told mostly from Agnes' perspective.
Zhao's film emphasizes the grit and hard work, the nature and divine, the creative and mundane, creating a compelling narrative that resonates with audiences.
Meanwhile, La Grazia has been highly regarded by Festival Director Julie Huntsinger as one of Sorrentino's best works. This breathtaking masterpiece, selected for a surprise Patron special screening, follows a fictional Italian president in his last six months of a seven-year term. The film's protagonist is a former lawyer and judge, a devout Catholic, who navigates power dynamics and moral dilemmas, reminiscent of Sorrentino's previous work Conclave.
Paolo Sorrentino demonstrates subtlety, economy, and nuanced performances in La Grazia, making it a complete whole only by a proven, consummate filmmaker. Ethan Hawke, who stars in the film, had a busy schedule at the festival, including a premiere, a film role, and receiving a career achievement award.
The Telluride Film Festival, running from August 29 to September 1, also screened these two remarkable films, offering audiences a unique cinematic experience.
