Lady Macbeth (2016): A Cold and Compelling Descent into Darkness

Set in 1860s England, Lady Macbeth, starring Florence Pugh, is a gripping and shocking period thriller based on a novella by Russian writer Nikolai Leskov. The title cleverly echoes one of Shakespeare’s most notorious antagonists. The film is well directed by William Oldroyd

As a fan of Macbeth, I’ve reviewed many adaptations of the classic play set in diverse worlds and timelines. This film, however, poses an intriguing question: What if Lady Macbeth were placed in a world as brutal and unforgiving as the one she herself embodies?

Florence Pugh plays Katherine Lester, a young woman trapped in a loveless marriage to Alexander (Paul Hilton), an impotent and abusive landowner. They live with Alexander’s equally cruel father, Boris (Christopher Fairbank), in a cold, sparsely furnished mansion in the North English countryside—a setting that reflects the emotional emptiness of its inhabitants.

The only warmth in Katherine’s life comes from Anna (Naomi Ackie), a loyal housemaid. The estate employs several laborers, one of whom—Sebastian—catches Katherine’s eye after she witnesses him assaulting Anna. Despite this, she finds herself drawn to him. Sebastian soon initiates a bold and illicit affair, breaking into her chambers and kindling a dangerous passion.

What follows is a chilling sequence of events. After a string of developments, Katherine murders both Boris and Alexander, taking control of the estate. At this point, the viewer might still sympathize with her, given the abuse she has endured. But the story doesn’t stop there.

The plot takes a dark turn with the arrival of Teddy, a young boy believed to be Alexander’s illegitimate son. By now, Katherine’s past trauma has consumed her. Stripped of empathy, she is determined to maintain her grip on power at any cost. The subjugated woman has transformed into a ruthless mistress, willing to commit horrific acts under the veil of privilege and widowhood.

She refuses to let Teddy threaten what she has claimed as hers, persuading Sebastian to assist her in an unforgivable scheme—reminiscent of Shakespeare’s Lady Macbeth manipulating her husband to seize the throne. But is it all worth it?

Florence Pugh delivers a stunning performance, portraying Katherine as a stoic, icy figure—calculated and chilling. While Lady Macbeth may not strictly fall into the noir genre, Katherine is very much the quintessential femme fatale: more treacherous than even Shakespeare’s version. Unlike the original Lady Macbeth, who is eventually tormented by guilt, Katherine remains unwavering in her betrayal—even when it costs the lives of innocents.

This film is a haunting meditation on power, repression, and the corrupting effects of trauma. It is a must-watch for fans of thrillers and period dramas alike.