The Tragedy of Macbeth
Movie, 2021, Solo, Set in Joel Coen
The Tragedy of Macbeth is #19 of 21 in release order and #19 of 21 in chronological order in the The Coen Brothers.
The story
Macbeth, the Thane of Glamis, receives a prophecy from a trio of witches that one day he will become King of Scotland. Consumed by ambition and spurred to action by his wife, Macbeth murders his king and takes the throne for himself.
The Tragedy of Macbeth recap
The Tragedy of Macbeth (2021) adapts Shakespeare's play about a Scottish lord who murders his king after three witches promise him the crown. Lord Macbeth (Denzel Washington) and Banquo (Bertie Carvel) meet the witches, all played by Kathryn Hunter, after a victory for King Duncan (Brendan Gleeson). Named Thane of Cawdor as foretold, Macbeth is pushed by Lady Macbeth (Frances McDormand) to kill Duncan as he sleeps in their castle. Crowned, he has Banquo murdered and sees his ghost at a banquet, then orders the slaughter of the family of Macduff (Corey Hawkins). Ross (Alex Hassell) is given a larger, scheming part than in the play. Shot in black and white on stark sets, it was released by A24 and Apple TV+. Joel Coen wrote and directed it alone, the first film either brother made without the other; it opens the Solo films rail after The Ballad of Buster Scruggs.
The Tragedy of Macbeth ending explained
The Tragedy of Macbeth ends with Macduff beheading Macbeth and Malcolm crowned King of Scotland. Lady Macbeth descends into guilt and dies, here suggested to be at Ross's hand. Malcolm's soldiers carry branches from Birnam Wood to Dunsinane, and Macduff reveals he was not born of woman in the usual way, undoing both of Macbeth's assurances. Departing from Shakespeare, the film shows that Ross has kept Banquo's son Fleance alive and takes him away, and crows rise over the road, pointing to the prophecy of Banquo's line of kings.
Post-credits scenes
No. The Tragedy of Macbeth has no mid- or post-credits scene.
Where to watch The Tragedy of Macbeth
The Tragedy of Macbeth is streaming on Apple TV in the US. You can rent or buy it on Amazon, Apple TV, and Google Play.
Ratings
IMDb 7.1/10, Rotten Tomatoes 93%
Where it fits
- Release order: after The Ballad of Buster Scruggs, before Drive-Away Dolls.
- Chronological order: after The Ballad of Buster Scruggs, before Drive-Away Dolls.
Cast
- Denzel Washington as Macbeth
- Frances McDormand as Lady Macbeth
- Alex Hassell as Ross
- Bertie Carvel as Banquo
- Brendan Gleeson as Duncan
- Corey Hawkins as Macduff
- Harry Melling as Malcolm
- Miles Anderson as Lennox
- Kathryn Hunter as Witches / Old Man
- Matt Helm as Donalbain
- Moses Ingram as Lady Macduff
- Scott Subiono as Murderer
Directed by Joel Coen.