Lady Macbeth (2016)

☆ ☆ ☆ ☆

Lady Macbeth (2016) – W. Oldroyd

Adapted from a 19^th century Russian novel and not from Shakespeare (but definitely with overtones from that tragedy), this is really a showcase for Florence Pugh who, at age 20, dominates the proceedings.  Pugh plays a young woman who marries (or is purchased) into a wealthy family in the north of England in the 1860s – she clearly has a wilful streak but her husband disdains her and seeks to keep her locked up inside (when she would rather run free on the moors).  Her stern father-in-law runs the house and both servants and family are treated with contempt.  When these men are called away, Katherine (Pugh) asserts herself, including beginning a passionate affair with a groomsman (Cosmo Jarvis).  As gossip begins to spread, Katherine takes increasingly decisive actions to preserve the illicit relationship.  As directed by William Oldroyd (in his first feature), this is a rather stately affair, with beautiful period setting and furnishing – but punctuated with moments of passion and violence (disturbingly so).  At first, Katherine appears to be a representation of the empowered woman – refusing to yield to the heavy-handed authority of the patriarchy – but as the film progresses and her actions become more ruthless, it is harder to sympathise with her.  Is there a political point being made here? It is hard to know.  (Inter-racial relationships are also highlighted – so both race and gender are under the microscope). Regardless of its sociological themes, the film is absorbing, a bit Shakespearean, not too long, and Florence Pugh is great.