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Andrew Scott’s portrayal in Netflix’s somber ‘Ripley’ is criticized as lacking charm in a TV review
Apr
Patricia Highsmith’s acclaimed 1955 crime novel, “The Talented Mr. Ripley,” has been hailed as one of the greatest thrillers of all time. Its success led to multiple film adaptations, notably Anthony Minghella’s “The Talented Mr. Ripley,” featuring Matt Damon and Jude Law. With the rise of streaming platforms, a series adaptation became inevitable, and “Ripley,” sold to Netflix after initially being developed by Showtime, now features Andrew Scott in the lead role.
Academy Award-winning writer-director Steven Zaillian, known for his work on “Schindler’s List” and “The Night Of,” brings his own interpretation to the psychological thriller genre. However, this iteration of “Ripley” feels darker and more unsettling than its predecessors, resulting in a show that may feel more laborious than captivating.
Shot in stunning black and white, “Ripley” begins in Rome in 1961 with a chilling scene of a man dragging a dead body down a marble staircase. However, the story doesn’t start here. Rewinding six months earlier, we find ourselves in New York’s Lower East Side, a stark contrast to its modern-day portrayal in popular media, characterized by its rough and gritty atmosphere.
In a cramped and rat-infested apartment, we meet Ripley, a small-time thief who scams patients of chiropractors for money. As his latest scheme runs dry, he encounters an opportunity that will alter his life forever. At a bar one night, a private investigator mistakes Ripley for a friend of his wealthy client’s son and recruits him to persuade Dickie Greenleaf (played by Johnny Flynn) to return home from Italy. Viewing the all-expenses-paid trip and the Greenleafs’ wealth as his ticket to the lavish lifestyle he craves, Ripley embarks on a dark journey filled with lies, deception, and murder.
While visually stunning, “Ripley” falls short in terms of storytelling right from the first episode. Given that the characters are portrayed as older than in previous adaptations (both Andrew Scott and Johnny Flynn are over 40), it strains credibility that the Greenleafs would entrust a stranger with finding their adult son. Furthermore, Ripley’s detached demeanor fails to convincingly convey the affection or familiarity necessary to carry out his deception.
While Dickie, an inexperienced and mediocre painter, welcomes Tom warmly, his girlfriend Marge (played by Dakota Fanning) is immediately suspicious of Tom’s alleged acquaintance. Her intuition proves correct, as by the end of Chapter I, “A Hard Man to Find,” Tom begins plotting to assume Dickie’s extravagant lifestyle for himself. However, what’s challenging to reconcile is Tom’s complete lack of charm. Despite being a quick thinker capable of meticulously planning his way out of difficult situations, Tom’s sociopathic personality and inability to exhibit any hint of humanity make “Ripley” an uncomfortable and somber viewing experience.
Nevertheless, the show presents a visually stunning cinematic spectacle, featuring lingering shots of Italy’s landmarks, canals, and architecture. However, the episodes are excessively long and filled with unnecessary downtime. With Tom frequently spending extended periods alone, strategizing his next moves or cleaning up his various bloody messes, viewers are left waiting alongside him as he carries out these laborious tasks, such as typing false documents or disposing of evidence.
Furthermore, while Tom is portrayed as a narcissist with limited interpersonal skills, neither Dickie nor Marge exhibit much depth either. Dickie comes across as aloof and naive, a trust-fund recipient who has been handed everything in life. While he may not deserve to fall victim to Tom’s deceitful schemes, his lack of insight makes him an easy and pitiful target. Similarly, despite seeing through Tom’s facade, Marge allows her judgment to be clouded by perceived rejection from Dickie, resulting in a disappointing character arc.
“Ripley” falters partly due to Tom’s lack of seductiveness and likability. Unlike Minghella’s film, which exuded homoerotic undertones, this series fails to capture that essence, despite Andrew Scott’s previous roles showcasing sensuality on-screen. Additionally, exploring flashbacks from Tom’s childhood and his complex relationship with the aunt who raised him could have added depth to the narrative and provided much-needed dimension to the character.
Ultimately, “Ripley” falls short in offering a fresh or compelling perspective on the infamous scammer. Previous adaptations have provided a more engaging experience, where audiences become enthralled by Tom’s cunning machinations. Over the course of eight tepid episodes, Tom fails to undergo any significant transformation, remaining a grating and unrefined grifter from start to finish.
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