Hamnet: Do Films Always Have to be Fast Paced?

After recently watching one of my favourite films of this year, Hamnet, I was shocked to see so many reviews comment on how boring the film was and how it was ‘too slow’. It got me thinking - are films that linger on emotion, atmosphere, and quiet reflection becoming a lost art? In a world obsessed with instant gratification, do audiences in 2026 still have the patience for cinema that takes its time?

Hamnet, directed by Chloe Zhao, is a deeply emotional portrayal of grief and family life in 16th-century England, centring on the Shakespeare family after the death of 11-year-old Hamnet, played by Jacobi Jupe. The film’s cinematography is slow and deliberate, letting each scene unfold naturally and immersing the audience in the tragic story.

Modern blockbusters often rely on constant action, editing, and flashy visuals to keep viewers hooked, but films like Hamnet remind us that storytelling can be just as powerful when it takes its time. The slower pacing gives emotions room to grow, letting subtle performances carry the weight of tragedy - like Agnes’ cries during childbirth, the heartbreak of her son’s death, and the final, devastating moment when she touches the actor’s hand, conveying the depth of her grief. Small gestures are suddenly so powerful and carry so much weight.

Zhao’s ability to mirror how we actually experience emotion, avoiding dramatisation or exaggeration in favour of a subtle, lived-in authenticity, was a standout part of the film for me. 

The muted, earthy colour palette reflects the world we live in, creating a quiet, reflective atmosphere. The camera lingers on faces and the smallest gestures, allowing us to absorb each flicker of grief and read every nuance of emotion conveyed by the actors, and by forgoing background music entirely, the film immerses us completely in the moment, stripping away distraction and leaving only the raw human experience.  Alongside this, the deliberate unhurried pace, with pauses that feel natural, make every sigh, glance, and movement connect to the viewer, making the emotions feel palpably lived-in rather than staged - experiencing the pain rather than simply watching it. 

But in a world used to instant thrills, do audiences actually stop to notice and appreciate that kind of careful, heartfelt storytelling?

In 2026, our attention spans are shorter than ever. Between endless TikTok scrolls, Instagram Reels, and bingeable shows, we’re used to constant stimulation. Therefore, long, slow films can feel boring rather than entertaining, with every lingering shot or quiet pause risking being labelled ‘boring’ or ‘too slow’. A film like Hamnet that takes time to create a story and build emotion can feel frustrating instead of captivating. However, the patience that comes with watching those pauses, long takes, and quiet moments is exactly what allows films to hit harder, leaving an impression much bigger than a 15 second clip. 

So, do films always have to be fast paced? Personally, I don’t think so at all. While our attention spans thrive on rapid cuts, nonstop action, and jaw-dropping visuals, slower films prove that storytelling doesn’t need to rush to resonate. Fast pacing grabs attention, but slow pacing builds connection. It lets us sit with grief, joy, or tension in a way that mirrors real life or allows us to feel new emotions entirely. Speed may make a film exciting, but turning the pace down and slowing down makes it more powerful. 

Written by, Annie Pearce