Andrew Scott as Tom Ripley. Photograph: Stefano Cristiano Montesi/Netflix © 2023
In the dimly lit corridors of Netflix’s latest offering, “Ripley,” viewers are plunged into a world where deception reigns supreme and the line between friend and foe blurs into obscurity. At the helm of this noir masterpiece stands the incomparable Andrew Scott, breathing life into the enigmatic antihero, Tom Ripley, with a sinister energy that sends shivers down the spine.
Drawing inspiration from Patricia Highsmith’s timeless novel, “The Talented Mr Ripley,” this adaptation takes bold strides away from its sun-drenched cinematic predecessor of 1999. Instead, it embraces the chilling allure of black and white cinematography, courtesy of the Oscar-winning Robert Elswit. Each frame drips with a palpable sense of foreboding, amplifying the eerie ambiance that permeates the narrative.
Steven Zaillian, both writer and director, weaves a narrative tapestry that keeps viewers on the edge of their seats from the opening scene—a tantalizing glimpse of a corpse being dragged down a staircase. As the story unfurls, Zaillian’s script reveals itself as a masterclass in suspense, evoking comparisons to the works of Alfred Hitchcock himself. Indeed, “Ripley” plays out like a long-lost installment of the Hitchcockian canon, with twists and turns that leave audiences guessing until the very end.
Transported to the bygone era of 1961, viewers are introduced to Tom Ripley, a small-time grifter eking out a living on the streets of New York City. It’s a trajectory that stays true to the essence of Highsmith’s novel—a testament to the enduring relevance of her work. When Herbert Greenleaf, portrayed with gravitas by Kenneth Lonergan, enlists Tom’s help in persuading his son, Dickie, to return home from Italy, the stage is set for a gripping tale of manipulation and deceit.
As Tom navigates the labyrinthine streets of Atrani, he soon finds himself entangled in the lives of Dickie Greenleaf (Johnny Flynn) and his companion, Marge Sherwood (Dakota Fanning). Clad in a shabby leather jacket, Tom ingratiates himself with the unsuspecting duo, his true motives shrouded in mystery.
But it is Andrew Scott’s portrayal of Tom Ripley that truly steals the show. With every glance and gesture, Scott exudes a malevolent charisma that captivates and repels in equal measure. Gone is the affable charm of Matt Damon’s portrayal; in its place stands a figure of quiet menace, lurking beneath a facade of calculated charm.
In the ever-expanding landscape of television, “Ripley” stands out as a beacon of brilliance—a testament to the power of storytelling and the talent of its cast and crew. As viewers embark on this harrowing journey alongside Tom Ripley, they are reminded of the timeless allure of suspense and the chilling depths of the human psyche.
Courtesy of Netflix © 2024
Courtesy of Netflix © 2024
Courtesy of Netflix © 2024
Courtesy of Netflix © 2024
Courtesy of Netflix © 2024
Courtesy of Netflix © 2024
Mr Ripley, featuring Andrew Scott, can now be streamed on Netflix
