How Dried Scabs and Menstrual Blood Informed the Red Tones in Jessie Buckley’s ‘Hamnet’ Costumes

Red is the dominant color palette for Jessie Buckley’s character, Agnes, in the film Hamnet. The costume designers drew inspiration from unexpected natural elements to create authentic and deeply meaningful shades of red.

Inspiration Behind the Red Tones

The team studied dried scabs and menstrual blood to capture the raw, organic feel needed for the film’s period setting. These sources provided a realistic reference for the variations of reds, ranging from dark, earthy tones to vibrant, visceral hues. This approach added depth to the costumes, linking them physically and thematically to themes of life, death, and femininity.

Artistic and Cultural Significance

Costuming expert noted that this choice was not just aesthetic but symbolic, reflecting Agnes’s complex character and her connection to nature and mortality. The use of such natural references emphasizes the human experience embedded in the story, further enhancing the emotional resonance of the film.

"The reds evoke a sense of both nurturing and pain, mirroring Agnes’s journey throughout the film," a costume designer explained.

Visual Impact

These carefully crafted tones help bring Agnes to life, making her stand out visually while reinforcing the film's somber and intimate atmosphere. The choices challenge conventional color palettes in period dramas, pushing for authenticity rather than romanticized forms of historical dress.

The careful use of natural, organic references for color palettes in Hamnet costumes adds a profound layer of meaning, grounding the visual storytelling in human physicality and experience.

Variety on MSN — 2025-11-30