Many have adapted Patricia Highsmith’s 1955 classic, The Talented Mr. Ripley, but none have done so like the Netflix limited series Ripley. Starring Andrew Scott as the titular character, critics, fellow artists, and fans have described the series as the best adaptation of Tom Ripley — mesmerizingly magnetic and morally ambiguous.
Since the series hit Netflix, many have been calling Andrew Scott’s performance the definitive screen version of the book. And that’s some high praise, considering Matt Damon’s portrayal in the 1999 Oscar-nominated film epitomized Tom Ripley’s enigmatic persona.
Andrew Scott is a class act. Known for playing complex characters — from Jim Moriarty in Sherlock to Adam in All of Us Strangers, Scott has mastered the ability to express unpredictable menace, making the characters he portrays both likeable and terrifying. In Ripley, Scott portrays Tom Ripley not as a master con man but as a human — jealous, manipulative, scared, ambitious, and longing to belong and be loved. His character offers fresh perspectives and nuances that strike a chord with viewers — whether die-hard fans of the novel or those watching it for the very first time.
For our readers to build some more excitement, here’s a short rundown of what Ripley is. It is a story of a conman trying to survive in 1960s New York. He lives in a flophouse and scams people via their posts and cheques, posing as a fake debt collector. As luck would have it, a case of mistaken identity puts him in the path of Dickie Greenleaf when his father offers him a full expense-paid trip to Italy to convince Dickie to return home. What follows next is Ripley’s obsession with fitting into high society — to live a life he could only dream about.
Before going forward, answer me this: What would you do if something you could only dream about became a reality? And suddenly, people try to take it away from you? Speaking on behalf of everyone, we would probably do anything to protect it. And the same is true of Tom. As the story progresses, Tom goes to extreme lengths to protect his secret and the life he was just handed down out of sheer luck — this is the pull of Ripley, the novel and the series — it deeply resonates with our innate, darkest desires and all the dirt that makes us human.
The Netflix series is entirely shot in black and white. The show creator, Steve Zaillian, felt that the dark, suspenseful vibe of the novel could best be shown in a monochrome palette; this also aligns well with the film’s noir aesthetics. Ripley has taken creative liberties in many a place, but where it matters, it stays true to Highsmith’s novel. If you are a true fan of cinema, you will enjoy Ripley and the 1999 film adaptation, experiencing a study in contrasts — both in the portrayals by Andrew Scott and Matt Damon and the background nuances.
In an interview, Benedict Cumberbatch, Scott’s co-actor in Sherlock, heaved high praises for Ripley. While replying to a question about which show is on Cumberbatch’s watch list, he said, “Obviously Ripley! Because of Andrew, a dear friend, and I’m always just blown away by his artistry and always learning by watching him.”
While we share Cumberbatch’s sentiment, it is important to mention that Ripley is an acquired taste. Since it is shot in black and white, it may not resonate with some viewers. And yes, we get that black and white sometimes gets boring, but definitely not in the case of Ripley. Have you seen Ripley yet? Tell us in the comments whether you think it is a Yay or a Nay!
