The story begins in 1580. Will (Paul Mescal), a Latin teacher interested in words, words, and more words, and Agnes (Jessie Buckley), a mystical "forest witch" who prefers to commune with the non-human world, fall in love at first sight and with a kiss. Will proposes to Agnes, who accepts. Each sees the other as their own world. They have three children: their eldest daughter, Eliza (Freya Hannan-Mills), and younger twins, Judith (Olivia Lynes) and Hamnet (Jacobi Jupe). Supported by his wife, William sets off for London to pursue his creative ambitions. The long absence becomes unbearable, but only a great family tragedy separates Agnes and William and tests their love. In his grief, Will writes Hamlet, one of the greatest works of art.