Some of the best films are the ones that catch you off guard, ones that you don't expect to like or that resonate with you after the credits roll. "Hamnet" is one of them.

Adapted from Maggie O'Farrell's 2020 novel of the same name, "Hamnet" tells a fictionalized depiction of the death of William Shakespeare's only son, Hamnet, told through the perspective of his wife Anne Hathaway — referred to in the film as Agnes.

Jessie Buckley stars as Agnes, a rebellious farm girl who sparks a romance with Will (Paul Mescal), an aspiring playwright and poet. An unplanned pregnancy leads them to tie the knot and going on to have three children: Susanna followed by twins Hamnet and Judith.

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While Agnes is raising the children in the countryside, Will travels back and forth from London in hopes to propel his career while Agnes raises the children in the countryside. It is unfortunately when he is away that tragedy strikes the Shakespeare household as the plague claims the life of 11-year-old Hamnet (Jacobi Jupe). Will's absence during the family crisis puts a strain on his fragile marriage.

Buckley is not yet a marquee name — though her immense talent warrants it. She’s been a darling of indie films, delivering one standout performance after another ("Wild Rose," "I'm Thinking of Ending Things," "The Lost Daughter," and "Women Talking," just to name a few). Her transformative portrayal of Agnes could make her an Oscar contender, taking audiences on an emotional roller coaster from pure bliss to utter anguish.

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Mescal, a rising star in his own right — best known for last year's "Gladiator II" — continues to earn his place in the company of our generation's leading men playing the renowned writer, coping with the loss of his son by putting together a tragedy called "Hamlet."

While strong performances from Buckley and Mescal are expected, it's twelve-year-old Jacobi Jupe who truly impresses as the emotionally intelligent Hamnet, showcasing both innocence and heartbreak not often seen from child actors. Expect him to have a long career ahead.

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If "Hamnet" is an orchestra, then Chloé Zhao is its conductor, delicately preserving a beautiful melody between the terrific performances, her piercing screenplay and the rich cinematography of Lukasz Zal. 

Zhao, the writer/director of the 2021 Best Picture winner "Nomadland," exceeds herself here. It's no surprise that Hollywood giants Steven Spielberg and Sam Mendes signed on as producers.

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"Hamnet" is an incredibly moving period drama that showcases tender storytelling, cinematic artistry and spectacular performances. It's films like this that should make us grateful we have the ability to feel as humans, even if it's agony. It's why we go to the movies.

"Hamnet" is rated PG-13 for thematic content, some strong sexuality, and partial nudity. Running time: 2 hours, 5 minutes. In theaters now.

The National Guardsman who was injured after being shot last week in Washington, D.C., is starting to "look more like himself," West Virginia’s governor said, relaying a message from his parents. 

Gov. Patrick Morrisey provided the update Friday evening before attending a prayer vigil in Andrew Wolfe’s honor at Musselman High School in Berkeley County, W.Va., where the recovering 24-year-old graduated from, according to WUSA9. 

"His parents report that his head wound is slowly healing and that he's beginning to ‘look more like himself," Morrisey said in a statement.  

"Overall, the family expects that Andy will be in acute care for another 2-3 weeks but have been optimistic about his progress," the Republican governor added. "We continue to ask all West Virginians and Americans for their prayers! They are making a difference!"

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The vigil began Friday with a moment of silence for National Guard member Sarah Beckstrom, a 20-year-old who was killed in the Nov. 26 shooting, WUSA9 reported. 

Speaking about Wolfe, Morrisey said, "You are not alone. South Berkeley stands with you, and West Virginia and the whole country are praying for you," the station added. 

During an appearance on "Fox & Friends" on Friday, Attorney General Pam Bondi described Wolfe as a "miracle" who is now "able to open both eyes."

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"Please continue to pray for Andy. I saw Andy. I've met with his mom. I talked to his mom constantly, Melody. His dad, Jason. He has a sister, a brother, an eight-month-old niece. They're all in the hospital with him," Bondi said Friday. 

"He's a miracle. From day one, his mother, Melody said, ‘My son is going to live. My son is going to be 100%.’ And I can say this because the parents let me. I was there when the doctors all came in the room after they had done an angiogram. He has no blood clots. He's a miracle. And now he's able to open both eyes," Bondi added.

The suspected shooter is Rahmanullah Lakanwal, a 29-year-old Afghan national. He faces charges of first-degree murder and two counts of assault with intent to kill while armed.  

Fox News Digital's Stephen Sorace and Alexandra Koch contributed to this report.