Royal Opera House: Macbeth Ending Explained: What Really Happened?

Royal Opera House: Macbeth Ending Explained: Verdi’s life-long love affair with Shakespeare’s works began with Macbeth, a play he considered to be ‘one of the greatest creations of man’. Directed by Sue Judd, this 2018 drama film stars Željko Lučić (Macbeth, Thane of Glamis), alongside Ildebrando d'Arcangelo as Banquo, Thane of Lochaber, Anna Netrebko as Lady Macbeth, Francesca Chiejina as Lady-In-Waiting. With a 8/10 audience rating, the ending has been widely praised.

What Happens at the End of Royal Opera House: Macbeth?

Verdi’s life-long love affair with Shakespeare’s works began with Macbeth, a play he considered to be ‘one of the greatest creations of man’. With his librettist, Francesco Maria Piave, Verdi set out to create ‘something out of the ordinary’. Their success is borne out in every bar of a score that sees Verdi at his most theatrical: it bristles with demonic energy.

Sue Judd's narrative builds toward a resolution centered on Željko Lučić (Macbeth, Thane of Glamis)'s journey. With his librettist, Francesco Maria Piave, Verdi set out to create ‘something out of the ordinary’.

How Does Željko Lučić (Macbeth, Thane of Glamis)'s Story End?

Željko Lučić: Željko Lučić's arc reaches a definitive conclusion by the final act, with Sue Judd delivering a resolution that feels earned after the film's 3h 25m runtime.
Ildebrando d'Arcangelo (Banquo, Thane of Lochaber): Ildebrando d'Arcangelo's role in the climax proves pivotal to how the central conflict resolves.
Anna Netrebko (Lady Macbeth): Anna Netrebko's character undergoes a significant shift in the final act.

What Does the Ending of Royal Opera House: Macbeth Mean?

Royal Opera House: Macbeth concludes with Sue Judd reinforcing the drama themes established throughout the film. The final moments with Željko Lučić leave a lasting impression — the ending is both a resolution and a statement about the story's central questions.