Lady Macbeth is a 2016 British period drama film directed by William Oldroyd and produced by Fodhla Cronin O'Reilly.

Written for the screen by Alice Birch, it is based on the 1865 novella Lady Macbeth of the Mtsensk District by Nikolai Leskov.

It stars Florence Pugh, Cosmo Jarvis, Paul Hilton, Naomi Ackie (in her film debut) and Christopher Fairbank.

Katherine then poisons his food and calmly makes small talk with Anna as he chokes to death in the next room.

The village doctor is sceptical of the story, but while the issue is being discussed, a guilt-ridden Sebastian returns from the woods and confesses everything.

In September 2015, it was announced Florence Pugh, Cosmo Jarvis, Christopher Fairbank, Naomi Ackie, and Paul Hilton had been cast in the film, with William Oldroyd directing from a screenplay by Alice Birch.

The website's critical consensus reads, "Lady Macbeth flashes some surprising toughness beneath its period exterior, bolstered by a mesmerizing – and unforgiving – central performance by Florence Pugh.

[13] Guy Lodge of Variety said "Florence Pugh announces herself as a major talent to watch in William Oldroyd's impressively tough-minded Victorian tragedy.

"[14] David Friend of The Canadian Press calls Pugh's performance "a revelation" and "a striking portrayal of a woman on the brink.

"[15] Peter Bradshaw of The Guardian gave the film 5 out of 5 stars, describing it as "a brilliantly chilling subversion of a classic" and "smart, sexy, dour" and Pugh's performance as "lethally charismatic … both sphinx and minx".

[16] Mick LaSalle of The San Francisco Chronicle writes "Oldroyd's approach to Lady Macbeth guarantees some longueurs as the film wears on.

But the clarity with which Pugh and Oldroyd communicate Katherine's thoughts and motives maintains a solid interest throughout.