Amid a deluge of mediocre offerings and tired tropes, Netflix’s noir triumph, Ripley, carves a path as the top contender in this year’s television landscape. Taking Patricia Highsmith’s beloved narrative of The Talented Mr. Ripley and infusing it with a fresh interpretation, this series diverges from the glitzy adaptations of the past. It turns away from the shimmering allure often associated with renditions featuring Alain Delon and Jude Law. The gripping true star of this show is the complex and darkly intriguing con artist, Tom Ripley.
Perhaps you’re already familiar with the tale of Ripley through its various film adaptations or its narrative echo in Emerald Fennell’s Saltburn. Andrew Scott embodies Tom Ripley, a deft scammer on the precipice of collapse in New York City, narrowly evading the clutches of the IRS. A serendipitous offer to retrieve the wayward son of a shipping magnate from the coasts of Italy promises to replenish his coffers. Despite being nearly strangers, Tom exploits this faux friendship to infiltrate the world of the wealthy Dickie Greenleaf (Johnny Flynn) and his companion Marge (Dakota Fanning). As Tom’s desire deepens for Dickie’s lavish lifestyle, he crosses irrevocable lines in a dangerous social shuffle.
Steve Zaillian, renowned for The Night Of and Schindler’s List, masterfully weaves a tapestry of crime and suspense across an eight-episode arc. Ripley revives an old-school noir vibe that’s surprisingly on par with contemporary viewing. The journey of Ripley’s deceptions unfolds methodically, presenting a puzzle that snaps together with brilliant clarity by the end. Even as we watch uncertain of Ripley’s escapes, his ingenuity prevails—or it appears so.
Credit is also due to the remarkable monochrome visuals of cinematographer Robert Elswit. His lens stunningly transforms the quaint Atrani and opulent Rome into a noir wonder akin to the corridors of The Third Man‘s Vienna. Elswit crafts tension without resorting to frenetic chases, although the threat of peril remains potent throughout.
When the drama peaks, and Italian inspector Ravini (Maurizio Lombardi) hones in on Ripley, the series hits high notes of suspense. Lombardi and Scott’s performances stand out, a veritable pas de deux between a man veiling his life in lies and an officer who seeks mere whispers of veracity. The confrontations, filled with intrigue and danger, are indispensable highlights.
Applying his versatile acting chops, Scott commands the screen as the perpetually adapting Ripley. His role demands balance, a character that simultaneously unsettles and fascinates. Scott’s interplay with Fanning’s Marge is notably rife with tension, delivering a narrative dance that is as captivating as it is precarious.
The series isn’t without its faults. Flynn delivers a serviceable Dickie Greenleaf but lacks the memorability his predecessors brought to the role. Eliot Sumner’s portrayal of the wealthy Freddie Miles is the weakest link, losing the fiery spark present in most character interactions with Ripley, and rendering Freddie’s skepticism monochromatic and without layers.
In conclusion, Ripley stands as a stellar work, distinct from any other series currently available. The show captivates with its unique approach to a well-trodden narrative, anchored by commanding performances and an unyielding commitment to the noir genre. A slow-burning delight, Ripley secures its place as a high point in Netflix’s repertoire, and a must-watch for this year.
FAQs
- Who stars in the Netflix series “Ripley”?
Andrew Scott stars as Tom Ripley, with support from Johnny Flynn as Dickie Greenleaf and Dakota Fanning as Marge Sherwood. - What is the plot of “Ripley”?
The series follows Tom Ripley, a con artist entangling himself in the lives of the wealthy in Italy. He takes increasingly dangerous steps to assume a lifestyle that isn’t his own. - Is “Ripley” based on a book?
Yes, it’s based on Patricia Highsmith’s novel “The Talented Mr. Ripley.” - Who is the creator of “Ripley”?
The series is crafted by Steve Zaillian, known for his works including “The Night Of” and “Schindler’s List.” - What genre is “Ripley”?
“Ripley” is a crime drama with a strong noir influence.
Conclusion
Ripley, a captivating Netflix noir series, deftly reimagines a classic story with a modern touch. Through its sumptuous black and white visuals, impeccable performances, particularly by lead Andrew Scott, and an engrossing narrative that slowly unfolds, the show asserts itself as a standout in this year’s competitive television scene. Despite minor criticisms regarding some of the supporting performances, Ripley is an irresistible slow-burn drama that redefines what a gripping mystery can be.