Even though this isn’t a female take on Shakespeare, the lead character does show tendencies of the titular character. Florence Pugh plays a young woman who’s sold into a marriage with a strict husband and a downright mean father-in-law in rural 1860s England. Her spunky spirit and general boredom lead her to defy their commands and take up a lover. That’s when her vicious determination reveals her true character. “Stark” is the word that comes to mind to describe this film: the period lifestyle, the austere visuals, the subdued performances, no music. They all contribute to a quiet, stern atmosphere that makes matters bleak. This translates into an interesting, if objective story, with an unusual leading character. It lacks much emotion to give the drama any subjective impact. (Criterion Cinemas only)
(3 / 5)