Lady Macbeth (2016)

Lady Macbeth (2016) Movie Review: Where to Watch Online

Lady Macbeth (2016), directed by William Oldroyd, is a powerful and atmospheric drama inspired by Nikolai Leskov’s novella Lady Macbeth of the Mtsensk District. Set in 19th-century England, the film offers a dark, thrilling narrative about a woman’s struggle for power and freedom in a stifling, oppressive environment. Florence Pugh delivers a remarkable performance in her breakout role, establishing herself as a formidable talent in contemporary cinema.

In this review, we’ll delve into the film’s plot, performances, and thematic elements. We’ll also provide details on where you can stream or rent Lady Macbeth online in the U.S.

Plot Summary

Lady Macbeth follows Katherine (Florence Pugh), a young woman who finds herself trapped in a loveless marriage to a much older man, Alexander Lester (Paul Hilton), as well as under the control of his oppressive father, Boris (Christopher Fairbank). Set in the bleak rural landscape of 19th-century England, Katherine’s life is one of isolation and repression. Her marriage and domestic life are marked by a lack of autonomy and affection, leaving her feeling stifled and desolate.

When Alexander is called away on business, Katherine seizes the opportunity to pursue a relationship with a young stable worker, Sebastian (Cosmo Jarvis). The affair leads to a series of increasingly violent and desperate actions as Katherine becomes more determined to assert her control over her life and circumstances. Her quest for power and freedom drives her to commit increasingly heinous acts, revealing her complex and morally ambiguous nature.

The film is a character study of Katherine’s transformation from a passive victim to a ruthless, calculating individual, driven by her desire for autonomy and revenge.

Key Characters and Performances

• Florence Pugh as Katherine Lester
  Florence Pugh’s performance as Katherine is the film’s standout element. Pugh delivers a complex portrayal of a woman who evolves from a suppressed and demure figure to a determined and manipulative force. Her ability to convey Katherine’s internal struggle, alongside her growing ruthlessness, is both compelling and chilling. Pugh’s nuanced performance drives the film’s emotional depth and adds layers to Katherine’s character.
• Paul Hilton as Alexander Lester
  Paul Hilton plays Katherine’s husband, Alexander, with a cold and detached demeanor that underscores his oppressive nature. Though Alexander is not on-screen often, Hilton’s portrayal is crucial in establishing the power dynamics that drive Katherine’s actions. His performance highlights the stark contrast between Katherine’s burgeoning strength and Alexander’s emotional and physical dominance.
• Christopher Fairbank as Boris Lester
  Christopher Fairbank’s portrayal of Boris, Alexander’s father, adds an additional layer of tension to the film. Boris is a domineering and harsh figure who exacerbates Katherine’s sense of entrapment. Fairbank’s performance effectively conveys the character’s cruelty and rigidity, which further fuels Katherine’s desire for liberation.
• Cosmo Jarvis as Sebastian
  Cosmo Jarvis plays Sebastian, the young stable worker who becomes Katherine’s lover. Jarvis’s performance provides a contrast to Katherine’s character, offering a more straightforward and passionate figure. His role is pivotal in Katherine’s transformation, serving as both an emotional and physical catalyst for her actions.

What to Expect from Lady Macbeth

Strengths

1. Florence Pugh’s Riveting Performance: The film’s most significant strength is Florence Pugh’s performance. Her portrayal of Katherine is multifaceted and riveting, capturing the character’s emotional depth and evolution with impressive skill. Pugh’s ability to convey Katherine’s psychological complexity makes the film a powerful character study.
2. Atmospheric Cinematography: The film’s cinematography, by Ari Wegner, enhances its dark, oppressive atmosphere. The bleak, rural landscapes and muted color palette reflect the film’s themes of confinement and despair. The visual style complements the story’s tone, creating a palpable sense of isolation and tension.
3. Psychological Depth: Lady Macbeth excels in exploring the psychological dimensions of its characters. Katherine’s journey from passive victim to active predator is depicted with sensitivity and nuance, offering a thought-provoking exploration of power, freedom, and moral ambiguity.
4. Historical and Social Commentary: The film offers a critique of the social and gender dynamics of 19th-century England. Katherine’s struggle for autonomy and the oppressive nature of her environment serve as a commentary on the constraints placed on women during this period, adding a layer of historical relevance to the narrative.

Weaknesses

1. Pacing Issues: Some viewers may find the film’s pacing slow, particularly in the film’s middle section. The deliberate pace serves to build tension and develop character, but it may feel languid to those expecting a more conventional thriller or drama.
2. Limited Supporting Roles: While the performances are strong, some of the supporting characters, such as Alexander and Boris, are somewhat one-dimensional. Their roles primarily serve to highlight Katherine’s transformation, and their lack of depth can feel like a missed opportunity for more nuanced interactions.
3. Violent Themes: The film’s exploration of violence and moral ambiguity may be unsettling to some viewers. The increasingly brutal actions taken by Katherine may be difficult for those who prefer less intense and more straightforward narratives.

Direction and Cinematography

William Oldroyd’s direction is meticulous and restrained, allowing the film’s themes and performances to take center stage. His focus on Katherine’s psychological journey ensures that the film remains a character-driven narrative rather than a conventional historical drama.

Ari Wegner’s cinematography is a standout element, with its use of muted colors and stark landscapes reflecting the film’s themes of confinement and oppression. The camera work often emphasizes the isolation of Katherine’s environment, enhancing the film’s atmospheric tension.

Where to Watch Lady Macbeth Online in the U.S.

Streaming Services

As of now, Lady Macbeth is available on several streaming platforms:

1. Amazon Prime Video
   • The film is available for rent and purchase on Amazon Prime Video. Renting typically costs around $3.99, while purchasing the film ranges from $9.99 to $12.99.
2. Hulu
   • Lady Macbeth can be streamed with a Hulu subscription. Hulu’s platform often features a selection of critically acclaimed films, and Lady Macbeth is available as part of its library.
3. Apple iTunes
   • You can rent or purchase Lady Macbeth on Apple iTunes, with rental prices around $3.99 and purchase options starting at $9.99.
4. Google Play Movies
   • The film is available for rent or purchase on Google Play Movies, with similar pricing to other digital platforms: rentals at $3.99 and purchases at $9.99 to $12.99.

Rental and Purchase Options

For those interested in renting or purchasing the film through other digital platforms, you can also check:

• Vudu
• YouTube Movies

Rental prices generally range from $2.99 to $4.99, with purchase options typically between $9.99 and $12.99.

Physical Media

Lady Macbeth is available on Blu-ray and DVD, which can be purchased through major retailers such as Amazon and Walmart. The physical media versions often include special features like behind-the-scenes footage and director’s commentary, offering additional insights into the film’s production.

Conclusion

Lady Macbeth (2016) is a compelling and atmospheric drama that showcases Florence Pugh’s remarkable talent. With its dark and moody cinematography, nuanced character exploration, and historical commentary, the film offers a gripping narrative about power, freedom, and moral ambiguity. While the film’s pacing and character development may not appeal to everyone, it remains a powerful and thought-provoking piece of cinema.

Available for streaming on platforms like Amazon Prime Video and Hulu, as well as for digital rental and purchase, Lady Macbeth is easily accessible for those interested in a gripping character study and a unique take on historical drama. If you’re looking for a film that combines psychological depth with strong performances, Lady Macbeth is well worth a watch.