Macbeth (2015)

*Macbeth (2015)* is a powerful feature film adaptation of Shakespeare's Scottish play, centering on General Macbeth, whose ambitious wife urges him to use wicked means to gain power of the throne over the sitting king, Duncan. Starring Michael Fassbender and Marion Cotillard as the titular couple, the film is renowned for its visceral depiction of ambition, madness, and guilt amidst the bleak, beautiful Scottish Highlands. Director Justin Kurzel's take is visually stunning, brutally intense, and deeply atmospheric, transforming the classic tragedy into a stark, almost painterly cinematic experience that earned critical acclaim for its bold artistic vision and powerful performances. Beyond its narrative prowess, *Macbeth (2015)* is unequivocally one of Justin Kurzel's best films because it epitomizes his distinctive directorial style and themes. Kurzel infuses the classic tragedy with his signature visceral aesthetic: breathtaking yet stark cinematography that highlights the desolate beauty of the landscape, an oppressive and immersive soundscape, and an unflinching exploration of human depravity and the psychological toll of ambition. This film not only showcased his ability to craft intensely atmospheric and visually striking worlds on a grander scale after *Snowtown*, but also demonstrated his talent for guiding raw, powerful performances, particularly from Fassbender and Cotillard. It solidified his reputation as a director capable of taking familiar material and reimagining it with a bleak, beautiful, and profoundly impactful vision, making it a definitive entry in his filmography and a benchmark for his artistic sensibilities.