Key Takeaways:
– Netflix’s Ripley, based on The Talented Mr. Ripley, offers a unique retelling focused on intense detail and darker tones, creating a fresh view on Patricia Highsmith’s novel.
– Andrew Scott draws attention with his gripping portrayal of Thomas Ripley as a controlling and sinister character.
– Supporting performances from Johnny Flynn as Dickie and Dakota Fanning as Marge add depth to the series.
– The series embraces wider social issues of the era, introducing non-binary character through Eliot Sumner as Freddie.
– The visuals are noteworthy, adding to the thematic elements and establishing Ripley as a visually striking series.
The Talented Mr. Ripley’s on-going legacy sees a new form this year, 25 years after its release. Screenwriter Steve Zaillian takes on Patricia Highsmith’s classic novel with a different perspective in Netflix’s latest series, Ripley. This new series is a detailed exploration of the novel’s narrative, trading the traditional Italian villas for a more stylized black-and-white format.
Ripley: The Plot Unfolds
Set in the 1960s, the story follows Thomas Ripley (Andrew Scott) as he manipulates his way into the life of Dickie Greenleaf (Johnny Flynn), under the pretext of returning him home to his family. Throughout his interactions with Dickie, Marge (Dakota Fanning), and Freddie Miles (Eliot Sumner), Ripley’s sinister nature unravels, leading to an inevitable and disastrous climax.
Zaillian’s artful portrayal of this intricate tale keeps viewers on edge. He carefully places nuances and red herrings within the plot, amplifying the tension as Ripley masterfully deceives everyone around him. Despite the imminent threats that surround him, Ripley maintains his calm and manipulative demeanor, a testament to his craft.
Groundbreaking Performances
Scott, popularly known for his heart-rendering performances, takes an unexpected turn with his portrayal of Tom. His intense depiction showcases a calculating, unnerving character who swiftly wraps audiences into his intricate web, illuminating a new side of Scott’s acting prowess.
Other casts, Flynn and Fanning, stand out in their performances as well. Flynn plays an oblivious Dickie, which further intensifies the tragic undertones of the story. Fanning, with her nuanced performance as Marge, takes the series to a satisfactory conclusion.
Additional narratives and Character Dynamics
Adding a fresh dynamic to the plot, Freddie, portrayed by Sumner, introduces an androgynous character into the mix. This choice adds an interesting layer to the series, speaking to the times in Europe where acceptance and discrimination coexisted in different circles, especially concerning queer individuals. This allows Zaillian to evocatively navigate the prejudices and biases of the era.
Distinctive Visuals
One cannot overlook the stunning visuals of Ripley. With esteemed cinematographer Robert Elswit at the helm, the series achieves a timeless feel. The careful choice of color and exquisite production design set the tone for the darker narrative, emphasizing on Highsmith’s gray subject matters.
In conclusion, Ripley, while standing as a limited series, leaves enough room for future expansions should Netflix decide to explore further. Despite the dark undertones that may surprise fans of the original 1999 movie, the new vision offers an exhaustive exploration of Highsmith’s iconic character. The series earns a solid 8/10 for its meticulous detailing and a unique perspective on a beloved story.
