100 Movie Challenge 2017 - # 123: Lady MacBeth

Director: William Oldroyd
Genre: Drama
Runtime: 89 minutes
Year: 2017
Starring: Florence Pugh, Christopher Fairbank, Cosmo Jarvis, Bill Fellows
Description: In 19th-century rural England, a young bride (Florence Pugh) who has been sold into marriage discovers an unstoppable desire within herself as she enters into an affair with a worker on her estate.

Review: Movies set in the country in the 19th century always picture us the same situation: Women are lesser beings who have to listen to their (often older) husbands. The women wear tight corsets, drink tea and stay indoors with their prayer book. “Lady MacBeth” is nothing like that.
“Lady MacBeth” is based on a novel by Nikolaj Leskov, from 1865. Even though it’s set n the 19th century, the story feels quite contemporary. And that’s because of the female lead, Katherine. She is a relentless and uncompromising woman. She doesn’t just take her husbands orders and even comes close to being a femme fatale. Women’s emancipation, but without any subtlety.
From the opening scene we see that the marriage between Alexander and Katherine is a loveless agreement. Behind the white veil, Katherine’s helpless face is seen. His father bought her and he feels nothing for her. Alexander can’t even have sex with her. Instead she has to undress herself, face the wall so that he can pleasure himself.
These awkward moments make for the passionate affaire Katherine starts with stable boy Sebastian, a young man with no etiquettes or manners. As soon as Alexander leaves the house, Katherine discovers her freedom and she can finally enjoy the outdoors. But the real freedom is in her sexuality.
The acting in this film is outstanding. Especially Florence Pugh as Katherine. It’s so well done how she managed to take the audience with her in her transition from innocent victim to inhumane culprit. But you somehow never stop sympathizing with her. And Katherine doesn’t have to share her thoughts, her face says enough.
Director William Oldroyd does a really good job. He hardly uses any music, no unnecessary information, no tricks, just the true essence of the story is shown.
“Lady MacBeth” is a welcome breath of fresh air when it comes to costume dramas.

Rating: 4/ 5