NETFLIX
Last week Netflix debuted a new limited series, Ripley. It’s a new adaptation of the famed crime novel The Talented Mr Ripley – and fondly remembered by some for its 1999 film starring Matt Damon.
The the series presents Andrew Scott (Sherlock, the Hot Priest from Fleabag, 1917, His Dark Materials) as Tom Ripley, a small-time conman whose scams are quickly falling apart. The first episode showcases Ripley’s psychology, his isolation, the small moments of connection he manages, and the small ways in which he learns that his scams are no longer enough to keep him afloat. When Ripley is approached by a rich magnate, he quickly sees opportunity to live the high life in search of an old acquaintance. Sent to Italy, Ripley finds his target, layabout playboy Dickie Greenleaf and ingratiates himself into his social circle as he plans to replace him.
Ripley is presented entirely in black and white, with episodes upwards of 45 minutes. This choice works well for Ripley, it immediately evokes a noir aesthetic, it helps elevate the protagonist’s isolation and showcases that Ripley is a period piece. In fact, even with its limited palette, Ripley is an impressive looking series. It offers some truly beautiful cinematography, there are multiple shots that manage personality and information. Ripley is a show that leans on its personality, unafraid to take its time. Much of its strength is just in spending time on Scott’s performance, as he presents as nervous, ill-fitting, and manipulative all at once.
Dakota Fanning (The Runaways, Ocean’s 8, Once Upon a Time in Hollywood) and Johnny Flynn (Lovesick, Emma, The Outfit) also star. All episodes are now streaming.
APPLE TV+
Also released last week is Apple TV+’s Sugar which stars Colin Farrell (In Bruges, True Detective, The Gentlemen, The Batman) as John Sugar, a private investigator recruited to find the missing granddaughter of Jonathan Siegel – James Cromwell (Murder by Death, The Green Mile, Marshall) – while suffering from some malady presented through muscle spasms, minor hallucinations and double vision. The series spends plenty of time giving its lead moments, showcasing generosity at every turn, a deep interest in movies and an odd ability to process alcohol faster than anyone else.
Farrell’s performance really holds the series together. He presents a man of deep convictions who always wants to avoid violence. That said, the series leans heavily on mystery and uses Sugar’s muscle spasms to stop the plot at various points, not wanting things to unravel too quickly. The series evokes a retro aesthetic but wants to exist in the modern day. While the writing is sometimes too vague the show is carried by some strong performances.
Kirby (The Good Place, Killing Eve, Barry, The Sandman, Scott Pilgrim Takes Off!), Amy Ryan (The Wire, Late Night, Only Murders in the Building) and Nate Corddry (Fosse/Verdon, Perry Mason, For All Mankind) also star. New episodes release every Friday.
PARAMOUNT+
Another recent addition is A Gentleman in Moscow – based on the book of the same name. The series follows the Russian 1917 October Revolution, with Count Alexander Rostov is arrested and then sentenced to house arrest in old servant’s quarters in a plush hotel he’s been living in. Rostov manages to live a life of luxury still, spending his time using the hotel’s services and restaurant. The series is hard to explain, as much of it is spent on Rostov’s interactions. He comes across old friends, learns of the use of the hotel to spy on wealthy guests, is shown secret passages, has affairs, all while under threat from the soon to be founded Soviet Union.
Rostov becomes a fascinating presence, in no small part due to Ewan McGregor’s (The Men Who Stare at Goats, Christopher Robin, Birds of Prey (and the Fantabulous Emancipation of One Harley Quinn), Obi-Wan Kenobi) performance. McGregor offers a man who is always taking notice of his surroundings, whose every expression conveys his feelings on the matter and whose eyes tell the story by themselves. It’s a very impressive performance from McGregor, really emphasising just how much he can communicate without saying a word.
Mary Elizabeth Winstead (Scott Pilgrim vs The World, Fargo, 10 Cloverfield Lane, Kate), Johnny Harris (Troy: Fall of a City, Without Sin, Great Expectations), Leah Harvey (Foundation, Les Misérables, Tuesday) and John Heffernan (Dickensian, Dracula, Becoming Elizabeth) also star.
New episodes drop every Friday.
