Ripley review: Andrew Scott wows with gorgeous if slow Netflix adaptation

The tone: Tom Ripley (Andrew Scott) is a mediocre hustler in 1960s New York when he is recruited by the parents of playboy/aspiring artist Dickie Greenleaf (Johnny Flynn) for a mission: the parents are tired of Dickie wandering around. through the most beautiful places in the world. Europe, so, believing Tom to be a schoolmate of Dickie's, they ask him to bring his son home.

Instead, once Tom falls in love with Dickie and his girlfriend Marge (Dakota Fanning), he's too enamored with his charming Italian life to pass up. And, unfortunately for more than one person in his circle, he will do anything to keep it.

You're not even ugly: Steven Zaillian (schindler's list, the Irish) writes and directs each episode of this new version of Patricia Highsmith. The talented Mr. Ripley, creating a sumptuously made limited series with only one major flaw: its pacing. Much of Ripley It moves at a speed that feels very authentic on lazy Italian afternoons bathed in sunlight; It's a great vibe for the holidays, but less great if you're sitting on the couch waiting for the murder to begin.

However, the first two episodes are probably the worst offenders of this, as things improve considerably in Episode 3. And even from the beginning, the series is just gorgeous to look; Shot in black and white chiaroscuro, cinematographer Robert Elswit never makes you miss the colors of the Italian coast. Instead, stark bursts of white bring the scorching heat of the sun's rays to the screen, while nighttime scenes deliver a crisp film noir feel.

The attention not only to the cinematography, but also to the production design and costumes, is more than a superficial effort: this almost painterly quality is reflected in the theory and art history scattered throughout the episodes, including some details intriguing facts about the 17th century painter Caravaggio. who famously worked in a chiaroscuro style, and had more in common with Tom Ripley than you may know.

It's better to be a fake than a real nobody: Many acclaimed actors have played Tom Ripley in past adaptations, including Alain Delon, John Malkovich, and a guy named Matt…Damian? Something like that. However, it's hard to imagine a more perfect role for Andrew Scott; indeed, considering his work as Moriarty at the BBC. sherlockIt's hard not to feel like you've been auditioning for this job for years.