Fearsomely visceral and impeccably performed, this brisk bracing update of William Shakespeare’s story preserves the dark poetry of the original play, but presents it with remarkable style and vision.

Macbeth, played by Michael Fassbender, is a man of war: we see him at the centre of the carnage in climactic, eye-popping battle scenes. While in a strangely calm trance, he meets a troupe of witches who foretell his future. Consumed by ambition, he is intrigued when the prophecy starts to come true. But it is his wife, Lady Macbeth (Oscar-winner Marion Cotillard), who takes the initiative and hatches a plot to kill beloved King Duncan and seize his crown by force. The cast give superb performances, delivering dialogue with spellbinding, understated intensity. Director Justin Kurzel infuses the 12th century with dread, paranoia and violence, bringing Shakespeare’s words chillingly to life.

"A new and vital reimagining of "The Scottish Play"" ★★★★ Little White Lies 

"raw, visceral and contagious. Its poetry gets in your bloodstream" ★★★★★ Telegraph

"extremely stylish and sometimes inspired" ★★★★ The Guardian