Macbeth

Mention Shakespeare and you get two potential reactions. One: a weary groan. Or two: a sudden outburst of dramatic reenactments of his most famous scenes. With works now over 400 years old, it’s hard to imagine anyone hasn’t seen one of the hundreds of cinematic adaptations or re-imaginings. But this latest offering is not just another addition to the long list of weary adaptations - it's a masterpiece.

As one of Shakespeare’s most famous plays, the tale of Macbeth is not an unfamiliar one. Driven by a desire for power and motivated by his cunning wife (Marion Cotillard), Macbeth (Michael Fassbender) murders Duncan the King of Scotland (David Thewlis) and as a result his new life as King unravels in paranoia and guilt.

Remaining largely true to the original material but not compromising its cinematic form, Macbeth is a gripping psychological and action-packed movie. With outstanding performances from Cotillard and Fassbender, epic battle scenes and stunning costumes - this is a Shakespeare adaptation at its absolute best.

Jess Walker