Netflix’s newest hit series “Ripley” from director and writer Steven Zaillian is a fantastic noir crime drama sure to delight and keep viewers on the edge of their seats throughout every episode. 

Based on the 1955 novel “The Talented Mr. Ripley” by Patricia Highsmith, “Ripley” takes a different approach to the 1999 film adaptation starring Matt Damon in the titular role. 

In this adaptation, Tom Ripley, played by the dynamic Andrew Scott, is a conman sought out by a wealthy father to track down his vagabond son Dickie Greenleaf, who has been gallivanting in Italy and convince him to come home. 

Through his time with Dickie and his girlfriend Marge, Tom begins to dream of living a life like Dickie, a life of freedom and a lack of responsibilities, free of the monotony of a working class existence. 

Set in the early 1960s, a change from the mid- ’50s setting of the novel, the series is shot completely in black and white, serving to bring the focus onto the actors more than the colors and beauty of their surroundings. 

The absolute standout performance of the series is Andrew Scott’s portrayal of Tom Ripley, the grimy confident man who has made his fraudulent living through scams and deceit, mainly by pretending to be someone else. 

Scott’s performance is most impactful when he is not speaking at all, letting his facial expressions and his eyes tell the story of Tom’s true feelings and motivations.

The black and white palette serves the ever-present sense of tension and dread between Tom and the people around him and keeps the audience with a constant feeling that something terrible is soon to occur. 

Scott is in nearly every scene of the show and delivers an absolute masterclass in character work and presence as an actor. 

This series is a true triumph for Scott and Zaillian in particular and stands out as one of the best new shows of the year. 

Official Score: 9/10

Categories: Arts & Entertainment