Lady Macbeth

Lady Macbeth is a bold and mesmerizing British drama film released in 2016. This evocative film is neither a play by William Shakespeare nor a reimagining of his famous work, but its basis does stretch back to the 19th century – it is loosely adapted from Nikolai Leskov’s 1865 novella Lady Macbeth of the Mtsensk District. This cinematic offering is brought to life by rising star Florence Pugh, who gives a riveting performance in the lead role, and is artfully directed by British filmmaker William Oldroyd in his feature-length debut. This film is known for its unique narrative structure and striking visuals, proving an exceptional entry into the pantheon of British cinema.

The storyline centers around Katherine, portrayed by Florence Pugh, a young woman in the mid-19th century rural England who is stuck in a loveless and childless marriage to Alexander Lester (played by Paul Hilton), a bitter and emotionally distant man twice her age. Sold into matrimony as part of a land deal, Katherine finds herself in a world of strict social constraints and stifling boredom, forced to deal with her disdainful father-in-law Boris (Christopher Fairbank) who upholds the oppressive values of the time.

The film unapologetic conveys the stifling environment of the Lester estate where the patriarchal norms and societal expectations control Katherine’s every move. She is doomed to a tedious life of solitude, constant scrutiny, and derision. However, Katherine, although appearing delicate and submissive at first, is anything but. The young woman's inner strength, rebellious nature, and passionate spirit cannot be suppressed.

As the plot progresses, Katherine starts exploring her newfound freedom when her husband and father-in-law leave the estate for some indefinite time. During this period, her world comes alive as she embarks on a passionate affair with a young, rough-hewn worker on her husband's estate, Sebastian, played by Cosmo Jarvis. This illicit relationship is the catalyst for a series of dramatic and tragic events that propel Katherine from being a victim of the time's oppressive systems to a formidable woman fighting for her desires, unconcerned by the consequences.

Florence Pugh, in an earlier role to her much-celebrated appearance in Little Women, fully embodies the character of Katherine, drawing viewers into the complexities of her character. Moving from a stifled trophy wife to a woman who’s forthright and unapologetic about her desires, her performance exudes both vulnerability and an unsettling murderous cunning that is sure to leave audiences captivated.

Cosmo Jarvis delivers a noteworthy performance as Sebastian. His character isn’t as clearly distinct as Katherine, nevertheless his portrayal of a working-class man who’s caught in the whirlwind of Katherine's designs is compelling. The performances of supporting cast members such as Naomi Ackie and Christopher Fairbank also add depth and complexity to the tale.

William Oldroyd handles the material masterfully, utilizing both effective silence and visually intriguing shots to create an unnerving tension. The particular bleakness of the Northumberland landscapes is stunningly captured by cinematographer Ari Wegner, these stark settings providing a suitable backdrop to the dark tale of love, lust, power, and revenge. The striking costumes further illustrate Katherine’s transformation, moving from tight, colorful dresses that symbolize her cage to more comfortable yet darker clothing that reflect her growing assertion and ominous intentions.

The script, adapted by Alice Birch, reflects on themes of power, gender, class, and desire in its exploration of Katherine’s defiance of the moors of her time. There’s no romanticizing of the physically and emotionally brutal world Katherine lives in, a marked departure from many period dramas.

Lady Macbeth is utterly original in the way it subverts the typical period narrative and examines the often-overlooked dark corners of British history. It is an addition to those films that defy conventional storytelling techniques and feature complex, morally ambiguous characters, making it a riveting tale of rebellion against societal constraints. This movie is a must-watch for fans of period dramas and those interested in narratives that offer a profound exploration of human nature and societal structures.