Andrew Scott Fails to Charm in Netflix’s ‘Ripley’: TV Review
Patricia Highsmith’s 1955 crime novel, “The Talented Mr. Ripley,” has earned its place as one of the most acclaimed thrillers in literary history. The tale has seen various cinematic adaptations, notably Anthony Minghella’s 1999 film “The Talented Mr. Ripley,” starring Matt Damon and Jude Law. Given the immense success and critical acclaim of the 1999 movie, it seemed almost inevitable that a series adaptation would emerge for the streaming era. Thus, “Ripley,” after transitioning from Showtime to Netflix, introduces Andrew Scott as the titular character.
Presented in striking black and white, “Ripley” commences in 1961 Rome, with a chilling scene of a man hauling a lifeless body down a marble staircase. Yet, the story’s inception isn’t here; it traces back six months earlier, to New York City’s gritty Lower East Side. This portrayal of the city is a far cry from the trendy neighborhoods depicted in contemporary media, showcasing instead its darker, more unsavory aspects.
In the confines of a cramped, rat-infested apartment, we are introduced to Scott Ripley, a small-time crook surviving by swindling money from patients of chiropractors. Just as his latest scheme begins to unravel, a fortuitous encounter presents him with an opportunity that will irrevocably alter his fate. A private investigator mistakes Ripley for a friend of his wealthy client’s son, propelling Ripley onto a ship bound for Italy, tasked with persuading his “friend,” Dickie Greenleaf, to return home to his concerned parents. Viewing this all-expense-paid journey and the Greenleafs’ opulent lifestyle as his ticket to the life he desires, Ripley embarks on a treacherous path fraught with deception, manipulation, and ultimately, murder.
While aesthetically pleasing with its cinematography, “Scott Ripley” falls short in narrative engagement right from its inaugural episode. The decision to depict the characters as older than in previous adaptations—both Scott and Johnny Flynn, who portrays Dickie, are over 40—introduces implausibility into the story. It strains belief that the Greenleafs would entrust the search for their adult son to a stranger. Furthermore, Ripley’s detached demeanor renders him incapable of feigning the affection and familiarity necessary to carry out his charade convincingly.
Despite Dickie’s warm reception, his girlfriend Marge, portrayed by Dakota Fanning, immediately senses something amiss in Ripley’s supposed connection to Dickie. Her suspicions are validated as early as the first episode, titled “A Hard Man to Find,” where Ripley begins formulating his plans to usurp Dickie’s affluent existence. However, the portrayal of Scott Ripley as utterly charmless and devoid of humanity makes for an uncomfortable viewing experience. Though he is a masterful schemer capable of plotting his way out of precarious situations, his sociopathic nature fails to captivate viewers, leaving the series devoid of the allure that characterized previous adaptations.
Ultimately, “Ripley” struggles to offer a fresh or compelling perspective on its titular character. Prior iterations succeeded in drawing audiences into Ripley’s intricate web of deceit, fostering a fascination with his cunning maneuvers. In contrast, this rendition spans eight lackluster episodes without affording Ripley any significant character development. From the outset, he remains a grating and unlikable figure, lacking the finesse and charm that would typically make his treachery captivating.
