After wowing audiences at the Donmar Warehouse last year, this innovative and intimate take on Macbeth is being brought to cinemas. Through binaural soundscapes and a deliberately sparse set, this production transported audiences deep into medieval Scotland, painting lush vistas, bloody battlefields and cold halls simply through intricately layered sound work, allowing an enrapturing and personal view. But does this unique technique make the transition from stage to screen?

When we first saw Macbeth during its time at the Donmar, it presented such an idiosyncratic take on the timeless classic that we couldn't help but rave. Fortunately, most of what made this production so breathtaking has translated incredibly well to the screen; the quick shifts and minute details are given hyperfocus through Max Webster's sharp direction, moments many theatre-goers may have missed on a first watch shine through. Webster's direction is also able to find moments of beauty in this otherwise bloodthirsty play, especially true for the intimate moments between the power-hungry Macbeth’s, as their relationship is laid bare. With an intense love and mutual destruction, Tennant and Jumbo are profoundly earnest, and bring this power couple to stark reality, cementing Macbeth's downfall.

Unfortunately, that's not to say everything works as well as intended. The asides, which were taken primarily to themselves in the stage production, relayed in intimate detail through headphones, have been shifted into almost 4th wall-breaking fleabag-esque direct-to-camera. While it works for several of them, some asides can jar audiences out of the moment with the stark directness. In a similar vein, the intimacy of some of the soundscapes has been lost without the direct sound; there's a remarkable difference between hearing a show in its natural environment and having it funnelled directly into your ears, almost as if it's just for you. None of these factors detract from how incredibly meticulous this piece is, and it is 100% worth the watch.

Macbeth is coming to cinemas from 5 February, running just under two hours, and through its use of dramatic soundscapes and stark staging it presents one of the most idiosyncratic and personal takes on the Scottish play in recent years. It is a beautiful production and has been incredibly shot, with moments that take your breath away, even if you were fortunate to catch the show on stage. It's not one to be missed!

***** Five stars

Reviewed by: Jack Francis

For more info on Macbeth screenings, please click here.