The Tragedy of Macbeth is Shakespeare's play on screen. It's not trying to be a story based on or an adaptation, it's the exact script spoken by the actors. It's in black and white and although there are sets everything is kept plain and bleak. There are special effects and sound effects but I think mostly just to keep it looking like everyone is acting on a series of sets.

The story is set in Scotland, I'd guess 10th to 14th centuries. After an important battle Macbeth (Denzel Washington) and Banquo (Bertie Carvel) come upon three witches (Kathryn Hunter) that Macbeth will soon be King of Scotland but it is Banquo's son who will rule after Macbeth. After King Duncan (Brendan Gleeson) names his son Malcolm (Harry Melling) as his heir Macbeth and Lady Macbeth (Frances McDormand) take matters into their own hand and have King Duncan assassinated while he and his entourage are visiting Macbeth.

Macbeth is made King but there are too many people who suspect him. Malcolm and Macduff (Corey Hawkins) flee to England and Ireland. Banquo of course overhead the prophecy and so he and his son Fleance (Lucas Barker). As Macbeth becomes more and more paranoid Lady Macbeth slowly goes insane while Malcolm and Macduff gather an army to depose Macbeth...

I've never seen the play before but I feel this is an excellent telling. You have to pay attention and listen to the words since back then it was more about the words than the acting. Shakespeare was a great writer and a lot of his play on words are rather genius. Cinematography and acting are perhaps rather plain but only so that the words stand out. Overall a great film.