Othello (Othello) is a 2026 British-Qatari drama film directed by Tom Morris based on William Shakespeare. The film was released in the United Kingdom on 4 March 2026.
Othello is a new adaptation of William Shakespeare's classic tragedy, which will be brought to the big screen as a film created by capturing a live theatrical production from London's Theatre Royal Haymarket, directed by Tom Morris. This performance of Shakespeare's tragedy of jealousy, manipulation and destructive passion is described as an intense and human experience that explores the dark sides of power, rage and desire.
The film follows the original plot of Othello — a story about a general in the Venetian army, Otello, who returns victorious from war and becomes the favorite of the Doge and high society. He marries the noble Desdemona, but not everyone likes this. His closest confidant, Iago, disguised as a loyal friend, begins to weave a complex web of intrigue based on envy and manipulation.
With the help of deliberately distorted clues and cunning suggestions, Iago plants the seed of jealousy in the heart of Otello, who begins to suspect that Desdemona is cheating on him with his faithful non-commissioned officer Cassio. From there, the feeling of distrust grows - a sequence of misunderstandings, unfounded suspicions and painful choices lead the story to a tragic end, revealing the destructive power of jealousy, pride and manipulation.
This film recording of the theatrical performance preserves the relief of Shakespeare's text and its dramatic intensity, allowing the audience to experience it as a cinematic device, rather than simply as a video recording of a scene.
Director Tom Morris (known for his work in contemporary theater, including „War Horse“ and „The Grinning Man“) adapts the production for the camera in a way that captures the energy of the live performance, while creating a visually impactful cinematic experience. With the help of dynamic editing, attention to the actors’ faces and reactions, and music that emphasizes the emotional tension, this Othello It seems like a bridge between theater and film, providing both intimacy and cinematic breadth. The director's approach emphasizes the extreme psychological states that the characters experience — from boundless love and trust to the darkest human emotions such as suspicion, jealousy, and despair.
The acting ensemble in Othello is stellar and diverse, with the combination of experienced performers giving weight and depth to the characters:
David Harwood in the role of Othello, a brave general whose honor and trust crumble, fueled by Iago's treachery.
Toby Jones like Iago—apathetic, intelligent, and dangerous in his manipulation; he pulls the strings behind the tragedy.
Caitlin Fitzgerald in the role of Desdemona - innocent and faithful, whose love is put to the test.
Vinette Robinson as Emilia—a strong and empathetic counterpoint to the intrigue, she is a key figure in terms of truth and morality.
Luke Treadaway as Cassio—an honest non-commissioned officer whose virtuous character becomes the center of Iago's lies.
These performances have been described as dramatically intense, psychologically insightful, and genuinely human, making the tragedy not only accessible but also painfully realistic on screen.
Othello is a monumental and moving revival of one of the greatest tragedies in Western literature, presented in a form that combines theatrical intensity and cinematic emotionality. The story of love, jealousy, betrayal and destruction remains relentlessly relevant, and the performances of the actors and the director's approach make it not just an adaptation, but a contemporary experience that speaks to the human psyche and the complex relationships between the characters. This Othello is a must-see for both Shakespeare fans and viewers who appreciate addictive human dramas with deep psychological charge.
