Film REVIEW: Macbeth (2025) - ★★★★★

3 days ago2 min read

Director: Max Webster

Genre: Drama

Three witches tell General Macbeth that he will be King of Scotland. Encouraged by his wife, Macbeth kills the king, becomes king, and kills more people out of paranoia. Civil war erupts to overthrow Macbeth, resulting in more death.

A new production of Shakespeare’s MACBETH, filmed live at the Donmar Warehouse in London, especially for the big screen.

MIX UP REVIEWS:

Stewart: ★★★★★

"An outstanding production of the classic play, suitably eerie, atmospheric and visceral on the big screen. David Tennant and Cush Jumbo, perhaps unsurprisingly, give excellent performances as Macbeth and Lady Macbeth on their murderous rampage - there's a real sense of urgency to their early scenes, like they are keeping their head above the wave of fate whilst trying to feed their greed for power. There's no introspective soul searching here, it's a sense of doom rushing the rash action of our protagonists. Meanwhile the blood on the hands gives a layered context as the play hints at a lost child between the couple.

Tennant gives a real sinister edge to Macbeth in his later scenes, with his monologue considering his next move regarding Banquo and his children particularly chilling.

It's always interesting to see how the witches and the porter (if he appears) are created for each production and there's no disappointment here.

The show is cut down to 2 hours and it feels a swift production - perhaps the MacDuff's face the biggest cuts but still the actors make an impact with their reduced scenes.

The production itself is minimal and stylized to good effect with fantastic live Scottish music added in to the show.

Absolutely thrilling take of one of Shakespeare's finest."

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Mix Up Theatre Movie Chart Position: #7