The Tragedy Of Macbeth (2021)

Having led King Duncan's (Brendan Gleeson) army to victory, Macbeth (Denzel Washington) and Banquo (Bertie Carvel) are approached by three witches (all played by Kathryn Hunter) who announce that Macbeth will eventually be King and that Banquo would father kings. Thus Macbeth's ambition which is spurred on by his wife (Frances McDormand) will take everyone down a tragic and deathly path. Based on the play by William Shakespeare and directed by Joel Coen (BLOOD SIMPLE), his first without brother Ethan. This is a stark and stripped down (both the text and visually) MACBETH superbly shot in a shimmering B&W collage of shadows and light by Bruno Delbonnel (INSIDE LLEWYN DAVIS) on an obvious soundstage which gives the film a theatrical look. But there's nothing of the proscenium about it as Coen's fluid direction propels the movie toward its climax. Anchored by a superb performances by Washington (one of his best) and McDormand and with a strong supporting cast. Stylish and accessible, so if you're not into Shakespeare, there's every chance this could catch your fancy. With Corey Hawkins, Harry Melling and Moses Ingram.