For those still fearful of in-person theater, fret not: Joel Coen’s The Tragedy of Macbeth has it all. A creepy atmosphere, a star-studded and phenomenal cast, and a unique twist, something that most film adaptations of Shakespeare miss. The play tells the story of Macbeth’s ruthless accession to the Scottish throne, egged on by a strange prophecy and his scheming wife. Coen, in his first solo directing and writing project away from his brother, Ethan, keeps Shakespeare’s language intact while tweaking a few elements of the story to add his own thoughtful spin. Denzel Washington plays Macbeth with a measured and masterful intensity, while Frances McDormand’s performance as Lady Macbeth wondrously displays a descent into madness. Coen has lifted Shakespeare to the big screen with remarkable style and atmosphere. —Jacob Robbins

Denzel Washington and Frances McDormand in The Tragedy of Macbeth.
The Tragedy of Macbeth
Streaming on Apple TV+
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Film & TV
Photo courtesy of Apple TV+
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