Lady Macbeth * * * *

Katherine. That other Lady Macbeth was a wimp.

Here’s a fascinating film with a bit of edginess.  At one stage I thought we were going to be up for some saucy Victorian erotica - Fifty Shades Of Grey in petticoats, but we end up with a story which is more edging towards Gone Girl.

      Lady Macbeth is a dark sombre austere film.  Katherine is  a young woman who is betrothed to an older man.  He’s a miserable old sod if ever there was one. But he pales in comparison to his vile father who takes delight in humiliating and degrading his new daughter in law and insisting she be kept indoors.

      Mercifully both of the men are called away on business which leaves Katherine free to get out of the house.  

      One day she discovers her maid naked and tied up in a barn, suspended from the ceiling whilst the rough farm hands have sport with her.  She admonishes them, but Sebastian, the most handsome and cheekily confident of the men, lifts her ladyship in her arms - an affrontery that also ignites a passion.  He’s quick to visit her bedchamber that night and many nights after.

      The men of the house return, the oppression of Katherine recommences.  Her only happiness can be found in her passionate encounters with Sebastian. She will keep this happiness and she will find a way to be rid of these men.   

     That’s a bit of the story.  Just a bit. For many twists do follow, not the least being another male that enters the scene.

     Do not assume this is anything like the films I have flippantly referred to above. This is dark and menacing and constantly fascinating. What struck me more than anything was the sinfulness, which might seem an odd term. But that’s what it feels like.  Nearly everyone commits a morally reprehensible act, ether out of desperation, cruelty, fear, or lust.  And it really feels like they’re doing wrong.  

     Some insight might be found in knowing it is adapted from an old Russian novel.

     The always chilling atmosphere is emphasised by superb natural sound. There is almost no music but noises through walls and approaching footsteps are used to great effect.  The cold  house has a sense of largeness rather than grandeur, the photography is excellent and a brooding facility itself. All the actors - especially Florence Pugh as Katherine - give great performances.

     This is a debut from director William Oldroyd and I look forward to more of his work.