It’s been 25 years since we’ve seen Tom Ripley on screen, and that’s all about to change. Netflix’s Ripley, which hails from Oscar-winner Steve Zaillian (Schindler’s List, The Irishman) and stars Andrew Scott (All of Us Strangers, Fleabag), Johnny Flynn (Emma) and Dakota Fanning (The Alienist), premieres on Netflix on Thursday, April 4. This eight-episode adaptation of Patricia Highsmith’s famed novels is a brilliant new take on the anti-hero story.Â
If you’re expecting a retread of The Talented Mr. Ripley (the 1999 movie starring Matt Damon, Jude Law and Gwyneth Paltrow), you have another thing coming. The narrative bones may be the same, but this show is on another level entirely. Some may even call it a work of art.
Ripley follows Tom Ripley (Andrew Scott), a quick-witted grifter, as he struggles to find a lucrative niche amid the mean streets of New York. After an unexpected meeting with a wealthy shipping magnate, Tom heads to Italy to talk the man’s son, Dickie Greenleaf (Johnny Flynn), into returning to the States. Instead of sticking to the plan, Tom befriends Dickie and his girlfriend, Marge (Dakota Fanning), and discovers a radiant life filled with art, culture, and beauty. It’s what he’s always dreamed of, and he does whatever it takes to keep this newfound status; he lies, cheats and even kills. Â
Scott’s version of Tom Ripley vastly differs from Damon’s rendition. Damon brought a sinister, sociopathic flavor to Ripley. Scott, however, brings a clumsiness to his Ripley. There’s a flawed sense of humanity here that leads to an enduring sense of wonder from the audience. Are we to root for this guy or champion his demise?Â
It’s clear he’s troubled and does a slew of nasty things. But, as with Highsmith’s original story, the jury is ultimately out on whether Tom Ripley is evil.
From going toe-to-toe with Sherlock Holmes as his nemesis Moriarty, to making audiences swoon as Fleabag’s Hot Priest, and plucking heartstrings in the recent All of Us Strangers,…
Read the full article here