All Is True

In 1613, the Globe Theatre is engulfed in flames during a performance of *Henry VIII*. This catastrophic event marks a turning point in William Shakespeare's life, leading him to return to his family in Stratford-upon-Avon.

William Shakespeare, now 49 years old, returns home to Stratford-upon-Avon seeking to reconnect with his estranged wife, Anne Hathaway. Their relationship has deteriorated over years of separation exacerbated by personal tragedy.

The couple's bond suffers severely from the tragic loss of their son, Hamnet, who dies of the plague at just 11 years old. The absence of their son weighs heavily on both William and Anne, complicating their already strained marriage.

Upon his return, Shakespeare attempts to immerse himself in tending the family garden. However, he finds little solace in this endeavor, reflecting his internal struggles and feelings of inadequacy in the face of family grief.

Shakespeare's elder daughter, Susanna, is married to John Hall, a strict Puritan doctor. As she wrestles with the confines of her marriage, Susanna faces public ridicule and is forced to suppress her true self under the moral standards imposed by her husband.

When Susanna finds herself accused of infidelity, Shakespeare steps in to defend her honor. He fabricates a story about an African actor who would protect her, which successfully intimidates her accuser into silence, leading to Susanna's exoneration.

Judith, Shakespeare's younger daughter, confides in her father about a painful secret concerning her deceased brother. She reveals that she is actually the true author of the poems attributed to Hamnet, showcasing both her frustration and need for recognition.

The arrival of the Earl of Southampton, Shakespeare's former patron, stirs unease in Anne, who suspects romantic ties. During an intimate moment, Shakespeare expresses his feelings through Sonnet 29, prompting a vague and ambiguous response from Southampton.

An emotional reconciliation occurs between William and Anne, leading to a renewal of intimacy in their marriage. Anne chooses to share their second-best bed with Shakespeare, a symbolic gesture that represents their rekindled love.

Judith expresses a desire to marry Thomas Quiney, bringing a mix of joy and concern to her father. This development is colored by the past scandal surrounding Quiney, yet Shakespeare finds solace in Judith's impending motherhood, signaling hope for the family.

Shakespeare delves into the circumstances surrounding Hamnet's death, questioning the initial belief that he succumbed to the plague. Through this painful investigation, he uncovers the truth of Hamnet's drowning and Judith's complicity in the secret of authorship.

In April 1616, Shakespeare engages in a reflective conversation with fellow playwright Ben Jonson. However, amidst the deep discussions, Shakespeare begins to feel unwell, foreshadowing the tragic events to come.

On a significant day, Susanna surprises Anne and Judith by teaching them to read and write. Anne discovers her marriage certificate and triumphantly signs her name for the first time, a milestone that embodies the family's growth and newfound understanding.

Tragically, on his birthday, Shakespeare passes away, leaving behind a legacy of literature and a family united by literacy. His death marks the end of an era and the beginning of a journey for his family towards healing.

At Shakespeare's funeral, his three women gather to pay their respects and honor his memory. They recite the poem “Fear No More” from his play *Cymbeline*, symbolizing their collective growth and recognition of his enduring influence.