Macbeth
Performance & Direction: Macbeth Review
Last updated: February 18, 2026
Quick Verdict: Hit or Flop?
Is Macbeth (2015) worth watching? According to our cinematic analysis, the film stands as a ABOVE AVERAGE with a verified audience rating of 6.4/10. Whether you're looking for the box office collection, ending explained, or parents guide, our review covers everything you need to know about this Drama.
Cast Performances: A Masterclass
The success of any Drama is often anchored by its ensemble, and Macbeth features a noteworthy lineup led by Michael Fassbender . Supported by the likes of Marion Cotillard and Paddy Considine , the performances bring a palpable realism to the scripted words.
Performance Analysis: While the cast delivers competent and professional performances, they are occasionally hampered by a script that leans into familiar archetypes.
Final Verdict: Is it Worth Watching?
Story & Plot Summary: Macbeth
Quick Plot Summary: Released in 2015, Macbeth is a Drama, War film directed by Justin Kurzel. The narrative explores complex human emotions and relationships through detailed character development. This summary provides a scannable look at the movie's central conflict involving Michael Fassbender.
Story Breakdown
This character-driven narrative explores the internal and external conflicts that define the human experience. Feature film adaptation of Shakespeare's Scottish play about General Macbeth whose ambitious wife urges him to use wicked means in order to gain power of the throne over the sitting king, Duncan. The screenplay takes time to develop Michael Fassbender's journey, allowing audiences to connect emotionally with their struggles and triumphs. Each scene builds upon the last, creating a cumulative emotional impact.
Narrative Structure
- Opening Hook: We meet the main character in their ordinary world, establishing the emotional baseline before the inciting incident disrupts their life.
- Character Arc: The main character shows growth throughout the story, though some supporting characters could have been more fully realized. Michael Fassbender's arc is present but occasionally predictable.
- Climax & Resolution: The emotional climax brings character arcs to their natural conclusion, providing catharsis while staying true to the story's core themes.
Ending Explained: Macbeth
Ending Breakdown: Directed by Justin Kurzel, Macbeth concludes its story with a mix of closure and open interpretation. The finale presents its approach to drama resolution.
The emotional climax centers on character transformation involving Michael Fassbender, offering viewers material for post-viewing discussion.
Ending Analysis:
- Narrative Resolution: The story concludes by addressing its primary narrative threads, providing closure while maintaining some ambiguity.
- Character Arcs: Character journeys reach their narrative endpoints, reflecting the film's thematic priorities.
- Thematic Payoff: The ending reinforces the drama themes established throughout the runtime.
The final moments of Macbeth reflect the filmmakers' creative choices, offering an ending that aligns with the film's tone and style.
Macbeth Real vs. Reel: Is it Based on a True Story?
Macbeth uses real-world events as narrative inspiration. As a drama, war film directed by Justin Kurzel, it navigates the space between factual accuracy and narrative engagement for Michael Fassbender's character.
Historical Context
The film takes creative liberties to enhance dramatic impact. Core events maintain connection to source material while adapting for theatrical presentation.
Creative interpretation shapes the final narrative, with attention to period detail and historical context.
Accuracy Assessment: Macbeth adapts its source material for dramatic purposes. The film prioritizes thematic resonance over documentary precision.
Who Should Watch Macbeth?
Worth Watching If You:
- Enjoy Drama films and don't mind familiar tropes
- Are a fan of Michael Fassbender or the director
- Want a character-driven story with emotional moments
Box Office Collection: Macbeth
| Metric / Region | Collection (Approx) |
|---|---|
| Production Budget | $15.0M |
| Worldwide Gross | $16.3M |
| Trade Verdict | FINANCIAL DISAPPOINTMENT |
Macbeth Budget
The estimated production budget for Macbeth is $15.0M. This figure covers principal photography, talent acquisitions, and visual effects. When accounting for global marketing and distribution, the break-even point is typically 2x the base production cost.
Top Cast: Macbeth
All Cast & Crew →
Where to Watch Macbeth Online?
Streaming Hub📺 Stream on
Amazon Prime Video
Amazon Prime Video with AdsMacbeth Parents Guide & Age Rating
2015 AdvisoryWondering about Macbeth age rating or if it's safe for kids? Here is our cinematic advisory:
⏱️ Runtime & Duration
The total runtime of Macbeth is 113 minutes (1h 53m). Ensuring you have enough time for the full cinematic experience.
Verdict Summary
Analyzing the overall audience sentiment, verified rating of 6.4/10, and global performance metrics, Macbeth is classified as a ABOVE AVERAGE. It remains an essential part of the 2015 cinematic calendar.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Macbeth worth watching?
Macbeth is definitely worth watching if you enjoy Drama movies. It has a verified rating of 6.4/10 and stands as a ABOVE AVERAGE in our box office analysis.
Where can I find Macbeth parents guide and age rating?
The official parents guide for Macbeth identifies it as R. Our detailed advisory section above covers all content warnings for families.
What is the total runtime of Macbeth?
The total duration of Macbeth is 113 minutes, which is approximately 1h 53m long.
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Critic Reviews for Macbeth
The directing and the photography are very good. The use of the color, the smoke and fog and the speed of the camera are very well chosen. Fassbender gives a very good performance, but it swallows everybody else in the movie. What I don't like that much of this version is that Lady Macbeth almost fades away. Her character is not as important as it should be and, in the end, everything is expected and everything becomes a bit boring.
The thing about this play is that it is almost impossible to distil it down to two hours. Like most of Shakespeare's tragedies, there is immense richness in the language; in the pace the story develops; in the nuanced characterisations and in the imagery. Sure, the medium can reduce the need for much of the more descriptive narrative but it still takes time for the plotting and scheming; the menace and the power lust to percolate through. Now this isn't a terrible interpretation. Michael Fassbender is reasonable as the ambitious Thane of Glamis. He is informed by three witches after a battle that his accession to King Duncan's throne is assured, and together with his equally determined wife (Marion Cotillard) he sets about expediting that process. Not everyone believes his feigned innocence though, and that means he has to start removing his detractors - not least Banquo (Paddy Considine) and the late king's son Malcolm (an oddly cast Jack Raynor), and it's at this point that their cunning plan begins to unravel. The film looks great, the soundtrack is eerie and effective and the costumes, scenery and lighting really do help to convey something of the real Scottish environment; but again the absence of many significant plot lines - the caveats with the witches' initial prophecy, for example, rob the storyline of much of it's complex potency. The character of Lady Macbeth is underused as an underpinning motivation for her husband's actions and essentially we are just left with a rather straightforward story of power-hungry murder. It is worth watching, but it is also underwhelming.
movieMx Verified
This review has been verified for accuracy and editorial quality by our senior cinematic analysts.
This analysis is compiled by our editorial experts using multi-source verification and audience sentiment data for maximum accuracy.
