We’re rapidly closing in on the end of 2024. It was a year full of big swings on the big and small screen. As the year comes to a close, I’m looking back on series that worked for me that you can now check out. Today, a novel adaptation on Netflix.
Series: Ripley
Where to Find It: All eight episodes are now streaming on Netflix
What’s It About: This is another series that made its debut in the Spring, so you might have missed it. It comes from writer/director Steve Zaillian, who wrote and directed all of the episodes. It was originally developed for Showtime but later acquired by Netflix, making its debut in April.
The series is an adaptation of Patricia Highsmith’s 1955 novel, The Talented Mr. Ripley. It takes the action to 1960 in New York City where a grifter named Tom Ripley (Andrew Scott) is finding a way to make a living. Soon, he’s presented with an interesting request as the wealthy family of an acquaintance asks him to go to Italy and convince their son to return to America and assume his place in the family business.
Ripley takes on the task as a means of escape. After connecting with Dickie Greenleaf (Johnny Flynn), he builds a new life for himself. But when he wears out his welcome with Dickie and his girlfriend, Marge (Dakota Fanning), he goes to extreme lengths to hold on to this new chance at freedom and wealth.
Why It Makes the List
This isn’t the first time we’ve seen Highsmith’s novel, or one of her series of Ripley novels, adapted to the screen. In fact, this same story was adapted into a 1999 feature film starring Matt Damon. But it’s fair to say we’ve never seen it done quite like this. That’s a credit to Zaillian, who clearly had a vision for this project.
The series is shot entirely in black-and-white, which gives it an outstanding and unique visual asthenic. The episodes here are gorgeous, and the series is paced beautifully. This isn’t an adaptation that follows previous versions, it seeks to tell the story from the novel in its own way. It’s engaging and makes for a great binge.
It’s also blessed with some great performances. Scott is magnificent in the lead role, doing the delicate dance with a character that could easily become unlikeable. But the way he pours into Ripley helps make you want to see him succeed. I also quite enjoyed Fanning in an interesting supporting role. All that makes Ripley a quick and dynamic watch that’s worth checking out on Netflix.