Othello

A slow-burning, modern-dress tragedy that tightens like a vise, letting you watch a good man unravel under a smiling friend's quiet malice.

Directed by

Geoffrey Sax

Genres

Drama

Starring

Christopher Eccleston, Eamonn Walker, Keeley Hawes

Tagline

An Explosive 21st Century Adaptation From Masterpiece Theatre

Overview

With freshly rechristened characters and brand-new dialogue, this British TV production of Othello is a "rethinking" of Shakespeare's play, albeit still retaining the original's power and potency. The story is set in the London of the near future, a crime-ridden metropolis virtually torn apart by racial hostilities. By order of the Prime Minister, black police officer John Othello (Eamonn Walker) is promoted to Commissioner, a post dearly coveted by Othello's friend, mentor and fellow officer Ben Jago (Christopher Eccleston). Seething with jealousy, Jago contrives to discredit Othello in the eyes of the public, and to destroy John's interracial marriage to the lily-white Dessie (Keeley Hawes). Among those used as unwitting dupes to gain Jago's ends are Othello's trusted lieutenant, Michael Cass (Richard Coyle), scrupulously honest police constable Alan Roderick (Del Synnott), and Jago's own wife, Lulu (Rachael Stirling).

How it feels

Dark, tense, cynical and melancholic. Measured and needs your attention.

About

Betrayal, obsession, race, power

Content

Strong violence and language. Mild gore and sexual content.

Note

Written by AI, so it can be wrong. Full breakdown

Your rating is saved. See your suggestions, or find titles like this one below.

Rate it, and Mesmero finds titles that feel like it. You do not need an account.

Search YouTube for a trailer (opens in a new tab)