I didn’t know what to expect when I sat down to watch Netflix’s Ripley, the latest adaptation of Patricia Highsmith‘s iconic novel, but after watching the entire series, I was hooked. The series is a gripping and stylish psychological thriller that will keep you hooked from start to finish, with a style that quickly gets under your skin. Starring the brilliant Andrew Scott as the elusive Tom Ripley, this eight-part limited series, written and directed by Steven Zaillian, takes us on a dark and twisted journey through the life of one of literature’s most fascinating anti-heroes in a way that is simply breathtaking to watch.
Set in the 1960s, Ripley follows Tom Ripley, played brilliantly by the fantastic Andrew Scott, a clever and charismatic con man scraping by in New York City. As he is struggling to find a place for himself with nothing working as intended in the Big Apple, he is given a lifeline by way of a wealthy businessman who hires him to travel to Italy to convince his wayward son, Dickie Greenleaf (Johnny Flynn), to return home.
Tom sees an opportunity to escape his mundane existence and rise above his current position. However, as he becomes increasingly entangled in Dickie’s lavish lifestyle and his relationship with girlfriend Marge Sherwood (Dakota Fanning), Tom’s obsession and ambition quickly turn dark, leading him down a path of deceit, manipulation, and, ultimately, murder. The many twists and turns give the character a new facade not seen in previous works, painting Tom as a ruthless animal, willing to stop at nothing to claw his way out of his own station and willing to take anyone down in the process.
Yet, even beyond the story and slow-burn nature of the series, what sets Ripley apart from previous adaptations is its unique visual style. Shot entirely in stark black and white, the series evokes a timeless and noir-esque atmosphere that perfectly complements the story’s dark themes and moral ambiguity. It even manages to evoke Italian neorealism in the shop composition and the ways it captures the characters’ reactions.
Zaillian’s decision to eschew all use of colour in favour of a monochromatic palette adds a layer of sophistication and unease to the proceedings, drawing the viewer deeper into Ripley’s increasingly twisted world. There is a grit and grime not found in other adaptations that give the entire series a visceral feel, avoiding the glitz and youth of previous iterations of the character.
The cinematography, masterfully crafted by Robert Elswit, is a character in itself, with each meticulously composed frame enhancing the mood and tension of the narrative. From the gritty streets of New York to the sun-drenched Italian coastline, every location feels both alluring and ominous, mirroring the duality of Tom’s character. The use of light and shadow is particularly striking, with Ripley often lurking in the darkness, his true intentions obscured from those around him. This duality is even further explored throughout the series, showing just how broken this man we follow truly is.
“Yet, even beyond the story and slow-burn nature of the series, what sets Ripley apart from previous adaptations is its unique visual style.”
Even with all the aspects in place, the show would not be as exciting without Andrew Scott’s mesmerizing performance as Tom Ripley. Scott brings a dark intensity and charisma to the role, perfectly capturing the character’s ability to adapt to any situation, even when the odds are stacked against him.
His Ripley is a complex and layered figure, both captivating and twisted, and invites the audience to root for his many lies and manipulations just as he tries to snare those around him. Scott’s masterful use of facial expressions and body language to convey the character’s inner turmoil and calculated moves with a mere glance or gesture is truly a sight to behold and a core element that makes the series so interesting.
The supporting cast is equally impressive, with Johnny Flynn’s Dickie Greenleaf serving as the perfect foil to Ripley’s machinations. Flynn imbues Dickie with effortless charisma, making it easy to understand why Tom is so enmeshed in his lifestyle. Dakota Fanning brings depth and nuance to the role of Marge, a woman who quickly becomes suspicious and uncomfortable with Tom as she begins to sense that there is something off about his actions and his need to be a part of her and Dickie’s lives.
While there is a lot to like in Ripley, it is not for the faint of heart and takes some time to really sink its teeth into you. The series takes its time to delve into the psychological depths of its protagonist, exploring the blurred lines between identity, obsession, and the lengths one will go to achieve one’s desires. It’s a slow-burn narrative that rewards patient viewing, gradually building tension until it reaches a gripping and inevitable climax. This Tom Ripley is as charismatic as he can be cruel, willing to use the blood of those he kills to get every last piece of value off a person, even after they are dead.
“While there is a lot to like in Ripley, it is not for the faint of heart and takes some time to really sink its teeth into you.”
Ripley subverts traditional notions of morality and empathy, giving us a view from the gutter as we, much like Tom, long for the potential of getting out of the mess, even at the cost of others. As viewers, we find ourselves drawn to Tom despite his increasingly heinous actions, a testament to both the writing and Scott’s magnetic performance. The series invites us to question our own set of morals as we become complicit in Tom’s ever-increasing range of deceptions and find ourselves rooting for him to succeed, even as we cringe from the depths of his depravity.
While not for everyone, Ripley is a triumph of style and substance, a haunting and beautifully crafted psychological thriller that lingers even after the final scene hits the screen. With its stunning visuals, brilliant performances, and thought-provoking themes, this adaptation stands as a worthy addition to the Ripley canon, offering a fresh and compelling take on a timeless story. Whether you’re a fan of Highsmith’s novels or simply appreciate masterful storytelling, Ripley is a must-watch series that showcases the power of television to captivate, unsettle, and provoke.
