The Tragedy of Macbeth is the newest film from legendary writer and director Joel Coen. The classic Shakespeare tale is told in a fairly familiar way in this film. No significant changes are made to the characters, story, or atmosphere, and while many might find that dull and boring, The Tragedy of Macbeth is one of the few tales that can be told the same way for generations and still be entertaining.

On a technical aspect, the film is stellar. The score is subtle yet effective. The lighting is creative and well done. The sound is gorgeous and phenomenally crafted. Bruno Delbonnel delivers spectacular black and white cinematography that has been one of the most raved about aspects of the film, and for good reason. The production design is done in a very minimalist, simplistic sort of way, which adds a unique layer to this adaptation. The costumes, hairstyling, and makeup all felt authentic.

On an acting standpoint, The Tragedy of Macbeth also amazes. The cast delivers on every single front, and there is not a single bad performance in this film. Denzel Washington hones in on his skills as the title character and delivers a flawless performance. He is able to shift perfectly between subtle line deliveries and grandiose yelling battles. Frances McDormand is witty and wild as Lady Macbeth. Her and Denzel’s dynamic and chemistry work marvelously and never cease to engage. The supporting cast shines, with actors like Bertie Carvel, Corey Hawkins, Harry Melling, Brendan Gleeson, and Alex Hassell all bringing their A-game. But the best performance in this film has to be Kathryn Hunter. In this film, she sets a standard for the portrayal of any kind of witch across all forms of media. This may sound like an exaggeration, but you'll understand once you see the film. Her demented physical acting coupled with her carefully crafted line delivery made for a terrifying depiction that left me with chills.

While most aspects of this film are practically flawless, there is one major exception that drags down the entire film: the direction. The film runs shorter than most of the play's previous adaptations, and while a shorter runtime doesn't necessarily have to be a problem, the time is not used effectively. The plot runs by very quickly, and it is sometimes difficult to grasp onto the tone of the moment. The editing also comes dangerously close to feeling amateur and lazy. Some stylistic choices made are questionable and make certain parts of the film feel silly and unprofessional.

Overall, The Tragedy of Macbeth is a beautifully crafted film that delivers some amazing performances, gorgeous cinematography, and is an interesting watch that could have benefited from a stronger care for the tone and atmosphere being created.

7.5/10