By the pricking of my thumbs… something wicked this way comes. There aren’t too many people who have taken a high school literature class who don’t know those words. They are from Macbeth, the classic tragedy by none other than William Shakespeare. Like everything he’s written, Macbeth has been done countless times in different mediums from stage to film. But this one might become a new legendary take of the chaotic rise and deadly fall of the titular character. A24’s upcoming film, The Tragedy of Macbeth, stars Denzel Washington and Frances McDormand as Lord and Lady Macbeth.
The casting director clearly said legends only! Joel Coen takes the reins as the black and white film’s writer and director. And, just ahead of the film’s New York Film Festival debut on September 24, a short trailer hit the web. There isn’t much to glean here which is cool because, well, we pretty much know how this story goes. Macbeth does some… things to gain power and karma comes knocking at his door in many ways. But whoa is it amazing to see Washington and McDormand immerse themselves into these roles.
A24
The pensive expression on Macbeth’s face when he happens upon those three infamous witches is enough to draw fans in. They have so much gravitas and can convey emotions without saying a single word. We don’t have to watch this to already know they will give us drama and epic performances. The black and white aesthetic makes it feel like a film not only from another time but like it takes place on a different planet.
The Tragedy of Macbeth will hit theaters for a Christmas Day 2021 limited release before heading to Apple’s streaming service next year on January 14. We would like to see it… and we will see it.
