When Patricia Highsmith’s The Talented Mr. Ripley was first published in 1955, it immediately captivated readers with its portrayal of the charming yet morally bankrupt Tom Ripley. Over the years, we’ve seen multiple adaptations of this thrilling tale, each attempting to capture the enigmatic anti-hero. Now, Netflix’s 2024 adaptation Ripley brings Tom Ripley back into the spotlight, delivering a neo-noir miniseries that revels in its stylish darkness and slow-burning tension. With Andrew Scott taking on the lead role, the series has ignited conversations about its chillingly magnetic lead performance, visual splendor, and complex character dynamics.
Tom Ripley: A Chameleon Cloaked in Charm
At the heart of Ripley is, of course, Tom Ripley himself. Played with icy brilliance by Andrew Scott, Ripley is a master manipulator, always lurking behind his soft-spoken charm and apparent vulnerability. In this version, Scott’s portrayal is more sinister and less overtly charismatic compared to previous interpretations, which include Matt Damon’s role in the 1999 film adaptation. Where Damon leaned into a sympathetic awkwardness, Scott’s Ripley emanates menace from the get-go, making it clear that beneath his polite surface lies an unquenchable hunger for wealth, status, and power.
The story kicks off with Ripley living in New York, struggling to make ends meet. His break comes when wealthy businessman Herbert Greenleaf mistakenly believes that Ripley is an old friend of his son, Dickie, and hires him to bring his wayward heir back from Italy. From there, the series takes us to the sun-drenched coasts of the Italian Riviera, where Ripley ingratiates himself into Dickie’s life—a glamorous existence filled with privilege, art, and excess.
Scott’s performance is a masterclass in duality. He skillfully switches between the quiet, watchful Ripley and the cunning con man, blending charm with chilling ruthlessness. As Ripley worms his way into Dickie’s inner circle, it’s clear that his affection for the lifestyle Dickie represents outweighs any real personal connection. Ripley’s longing to be Dickie, rather than befriend him, becomes the crux of the series. His growing obsession sets off a chain of increasingly dark and violent events that Scott portrays with understated yet deeply unsettling intensity.
Visually Gorgeous, Narratively Intricate
One of the most talked-about aspects of Ripley is its breathtaking visual design. Filmed across Italy’s most picturesque locales, from Rome to the Ligurian Riviera, the show’s cinematography brings the allure of Highsmith’s setting to vivid life. Each frame feels meticulously crafted, with cinematographer Robert Elswit, known for his work on Magnolia and Boogie Nights, using light and shadow to emphasize the duality of Ripley’s character. The coastal landscapes are soaked in golden sunlight, juxtaposing the series’ dark, psychological underpinnings.
The series’ deliberate pacing is where it might divide viewers. Ripley embraces a slow burn, letting the tension simmer rather than erupt. This approach, while richly atmospheric, may feel sluggish to some, particularly during the middle episodes where Ripley’s manipulations stretch into drawn-out schemes. Yet, for those who enjoy methodical storytelling, this slow pacing allows the audience to fully absorb the intricacies of each character and the relationships Ripley manipulates for his own gain.
Steven Zaillian, the Oscar-winning writer of Schindler’s List, helms the series with a confidence that blends literary adaptation with artistic flourish. His writing mirrors Ripley’s calculated approach to life—each line, each gesture, is loaded with subtext. Zaillian’s directing style is deliberate, using narrow passageways and reflective surfaces like mirrors and water to suggest Ripley’s fractured sense of identity. These visual motifs serve as a constant reminder of the character’s slippery nature. One moment, Ripley appears harmless, merely a man out of place; the next, he’s orchestrating a cunning deception that leaves his victims reeling.
The Players in Ripley’s Game: Supporting Cast
Andrew Scott may be the star of the show, but Ripley boasts a stellar supporting cast that elevates the tension and drama. Johnny Flynn plays Dickie Greenleaf, the object of Ripley’s obsessive envy. Flynn captures Dickie’s carefree arrogance with ease, making it believable that Ripley would both admire and despise him in equal measure. Their interactions brim with unspoken homoerotic tension, an undercurrent that Zaillian’s script teases but never overtly confirms. Dickie’s charm is as much a curse as a blessing—his entitled lifestyle and casual mistreatment of those around him only serve to intensify Ripley’s jealousy.
Dakota Fanning shines as Marge Sherwood, Dickie’s girlfriend. Marge is both enamored with Dickie and suspicious of Ripley, sensing from the start that something is off about the too-polite newcomer. Fanning’s performance adds a much-needed sense of skepticism to the otherwise passive acceptance of Ripley by Dickie and their friends. Marge’s wariness grows as the series progresses, with Fanning expertly portraying a woman slowly realizing the depths of Ripley’s deception.
Not to be overlooked is Maurizio Lombardi as Inspector Ravini, whose cat-and-mouse game with Ripley becomes one of the series’ most engaging subplots. Ravini’s presence adds a sense of impending doom that looms over Ripley’s increasingly precarious schemes. Each interaction between the two crackles with tension, and Lombardi’s understated performance makes his character feel like a real threat despite his relatively small role.
Themes of Identity, Class, and Desire
At its core, Ripley is not just a tale of murder and deceit, but also an exploration of identity, class, and desire. Ripley’s journey from a struggling New Yorker to a man living in the lap of Italian luxury speaks volumes about the lengths people will go to escape their mundane lives. His actions are driven not only by greed but by a deep-seated desire to belong to a world that will never truly accept him.
The series also touches on themes of class disparity. Dickie’s life of privilege is starkly contrasted with Ripley’s humble beginnings. Ripley’s resentment towards the Greenleaf family and their ilk is palpable throughout the show. Yet, despite his hatred for the wealthy, Ripley also craves their approval, complicating his motivations in fascinating ways. It’s this tension between hating and desiring that fuels the most dramatic moments of the series.
Furthermore, Ripley delves into the fluidity of identity. As Ripley adopts various personas to suit his schemes, the show asks whether we can ever truly know someone—or even ourselves. Is Ripley a man pretending to be a con artist, or is he a con artist pretending to be a man? This ambiguity is never fully resolved, leaving the audience to ponder the true nature of Tom Ripley long after the credits roll.
Verdict: An Eerie, Beautifully Executed Thriller
Ripley is not a show that offers easy answers or fast-paced thrills. Instead, it slowly ensnares its viewers in a web of psychological tension, stunning visuals, and complex character dynamics. While its pacing may be a challenge for some, there’s no denying that it’s a masterfully crafted series with a captivating lead performance by Andrew Scott.
For fans of dark psychological thrillers and character-driven dramas, Ripley is a must-watch. It may not appeal to everyone, particularly those expecting a more straightforward crime drama, but for those willing to sink into its moody, atmospheric world, it’s a richly rewarding experience.
FAQs
Is Ripley faithful to the original novel?
While the series stays true to the main beats of Highsmith’s novel, there are some notable changes in plot and character dynamics. Fans of the book will notice that certain relationships and events have been reinterpreted for the series.
How does Andrew Scott’s portrayal compare to previous adaptations?
Scott’s Ripley is darker and more menacing compared to Matt Damon’s version in the 1999 film. His performance is chillingly effective, emphasizing Ripley’s sociopathic tendencies rather than his charm.
Is Ripley a fast-paced show?
No, the series is a slow burn, taking its time to develop tension and character relationships. This pacing may be divisive, but it allows for a deeper exploration of the characters’ psychological complexities.
Where was Ripley filmed?
The series was filmed in various locations across Italy, including Rome and the Ligurian Riviera. The stunning cinematography highlights the beauty of the Italian coast, providing a perfect contrast to the dark storyline.
Is there a second season of Ripley planned?
As of now, Ripley is a limited series, but there’s always potential for further adaptations, given that the character appears in multiple novels by Patricia Highsmith.
What themes are explored in Ripley?
The series delves into themes of identity, class disparity, envy, and the fluidity of self. It also explores the psychological consequences of living a life built on lies and deceit.
