Lady Macbeth (2016): An Unconventional Horror Film

"It's only a movie, only a movie, only a movie..." - The Last House on the Left (1972)

In this case, it's not.

Trigger Warning: Article discusses various forms of abuse.

* Spoilers alert *

Florence Pugh in the role of 'Katherine' in William Oldroyd's, 'Lady Macbeth' (2016)

Film genres are reliant on certain signs, symbols and narrative motifs to define them. In regards to the horror genre, I am a firm believer that horror films do not have to stick to their iconographies and conventions to be successful. Genres are fluid and a successful macabre film has the ability to bleed into other genres - be a hybrid film - and escape its expectations to form something special.

Defining a horror film should not solely be dependant on its genre or narrative formulas but, should equally rely on the audiences emotional reception of that film. In doing so, one can gain a different interpretation of a film. Additionally, it can open an in depth discussion regarding the viewers life experiences, perspectives, fears and feelings as I believe that these factors contribute to the way an audience member reacts to media. Thus indicating to me that horror, can be (and is) a subjective film genre.

For instance, in regards to Ari Asters latest film, Midsommar (2019), the reception was a mixed bag. Some viewers saw it as a cliché horror film while others saw it as commentary on an abusive relationship and the 'cult' are the - sort of - good people.

Click the underlined writing above to read about the films mixed reception.

The 'No Film School' website states that the purpose and primary goal of the horror genre is to "create feelings of fear, dread, disgust, and terror in the audience" and to "develop an atmosphere that puts the audience on edge and scares them".

If we were to base the macabre centric genre on its emotive definition, Lady Macbeth can be classified as a horror film as it evoked 'fear, dread, disgust and terror' within me.

Here is why.

The beginning of Katherine's undoing

What immediately left me feeling an intense sense of fear and dread was the first time we see Katherine and her husband interact with one another. The opening sequence reveals that a female is getting married. Once the ceremony is finished, silence follows until the maid asks if she is nervous for her wedding night. The body language and Katherines tone of voice screams that she is nervous, uncomfortable and scared of what is to come and expected of her. This acknowledgement of her behaviour is solidified when Katherine and her husband share the screen together in the next scene. The bed divides them as they share an awkwardness between them. Katherine attempts to communicate via rambles with her husband which is a clear sign of anxiety but, her husband ignores her and demands her to remove her clothing. Instantly, she expresses fear in her eyes but after her husband repeats himself in a more assertive tone, she listens to him and exposes herself. It is clear that she does want to engage with her husband sexually but she feels obligated to him. This evoked feelings of fear, dread, disgust, and terror within me as the scene was alluding to the notion that they would engage in non-consensual intercourse.

Another moment where I was left feeling an intense sense of disgust was when the audience discovered that Katherines husband was having an extra marital affair. After Katherine and her lover orchestrated the 'disappearance' of her husband after Katherine brutally murdered him, a middle aged woman presents herself at her home. She confidently and calmly states that Katherines 'missing' husband had been having an extra marital affair with her daughter that produced a son. Katherine is adamant that there "must be a mistake" but the older female offers her a false apology for her shock. Almost immediately, the child and his grandmother take over Katherines home which enrages her.

A third scene that sparked fear, dread, disgust, and terror within me was the closing scene as it highlights that the film is very much about Anna - Katherine's maid - as much as it is Katherines story. The first time we meet Sebastian - Katherine's lover - Anna is naked and strung up to the ceiling. This clearly traumatises her as she is seen crying and is ashamed to look at Katherine in the following scene. Sadly, Katherine ignores Anna's clearly distressed mannerism and simply asks her what Sebastian's name is. Additionally, Anna flinches, displays fear in her eyes and moves away every time Sebastian is near indicating that he was the one in charge of humiliating her. Moreover, there is a brief moment in the film were Katherine tries to get to know Anna and we learn that she has not seen her family in a long time and is far away from home. This establishes that she is on her own which makes her story - to me - more horrifying as she has no one to defend or support her. Upon acknowledging this, it makes the ending far more gut wrenching when Katherine pins her murders on Anna who is then killed for Katherine's crimes.

The Closing Shot of Lady Macbeth: Katherine has Negatively Transcended her Humanity

There are multiple reasons why this film evokes 'fear, dread, disgust and terror' within me. My reasons are as follows:

• Katherine is viewed as a transaction who's purpose is to serve her husband however he sees fit even if she does not want too.

• Katherine's mental decline and how her repression and oppression transforms her into a murderer who kills anyone in her way of freedom, even children.

• The hypocritical nature of her husband who verbally tortures her for sleeping with another man while he has been sleeping with another woman for years.

• Katherines lack of empathy towards Anna and how Katherine uses her class status over Anna to leave her powerless.

More poignantly, this film made me reflect on society, both past and present. While we like to think of ourselves as more civilised than our ancestors, I find that there is still a lot of things that need to be addressed and changed.

In certain countries, women lack their basic freedoms similar to Katherine.

Click the underlined writing above to read about the Male Guardianship System that rules Saudi Arabia.

Child arranged marriages and bride kidnapping are a thing which are currently happening right now...by force.

Watch the documentaries below to gain a clearer insight into child marriages in India and bride kidnapping in Kyrgyzstan.

Class issues dominant society. The most recent, prominent examples being:

• Kim Kardashians tweet - shown below - regarding her island getaway during the COVID-19 lockdown.

• Rita Ora using her wealth and status to pay a restaurant owner to break the law for her birthday

• The celebrity rendition of Jon Lennon's 'Imagine'

Click the image above to read more about the story

Click the image above to read more about the story

Instead of using their power and wealth to aid the needy, their class status has blinded them. This echoes Katherine behaviour. Her sexual desires for Sebastian blinds her and she is unable to see the damage that he - and later her - cause towards Anna. As Katherine is alone in the home, she is head of the household and is - therefore - in charge. She uses her power to get what she wants from both Sebastian and Anna. Ultimately, she leaves them both powerless.

Personally, defining a horror film should not rely on executing conventions or iconographies correctly. It should also consider the emotional response it triggers in the audience. A successful horror film explores the horrors that have or are happening in society. They also dive into the mind through ordinary characters in a way that leaves you exhausted, terrified and disgusted. Lady Macbeth is that horror film. It is a film set in the 19th century that opens doors for discussions regarding past feminism but most importantly, present feminism through its horrific depiction of Katherine's mental decline and her environment. The film is disgusting, terrifying and filled with dread because of this and that is why I classify Lady Macbeth as an unconventional horror film.