RIPLEY

I am struggling to find the words to describe how brilliant this show is. It took me two episodes to find my feet with it, but once in, oh my goodness. The film photography is stunning, it is like watching liquid art. I didn't like the black and white to begin with, but loved it by the end. Light and shade has never been better used. Andrew Scott puts in a masterful performance in the lead role. He does that wonderful trick of being able to have you rooting for him even though you know morally you shouldn't. The supporting cast are excellent, with a particular nod to Eliot Sumner who I had never heard of before, but they are mesmerising.

This is not a fast, bang buzz type of show, but like a lot of the finer things in life, if you are prepared to invest yourself, it will reward you in measures.

Black and white never looked so beautiful. I doubt even early 1960s Italy was this beautiful. This was the most visually stunning project I have seen in decades.

The performances were excellent as well as the direction. The writing was a bit drawn out. This really could have been two hours shorter, but you really don't mind it.

If Netflix could come up with something half this good on a semi monthly basis they'd be in the black again. This wasn't just visually appealing it was actually mature and reasonably cerebral. Miles above their usual offerings.

Warning: If you watch this, you will become addicted.

This Netflix series had the most sumptuous cinematography I've seen in a while. Nearly every shot was a work of art, a moment captured in time, a beautiful and sinister view into this retelling of the story of psychopath Tom Ripley. This version takes its time to unfold the story, and Andrew Scott is the perfect actor for the part. Having just seen him in quite a different role in "All of Us Strangers", I was reminded what a versatile and compelling actor he is (and of course great in "Fleabag").

While some have called the show "slow", I think our vastly reduced attention spans don't allow us to savor the unspooling of a narrative. I enjoyed the long shots with interesting camera angles and the use of black and white was a genius move, adding to the dark undertones of the show. It was definitely a successful passion project for Steven Zaillian, though I think the role of Dickie could have used an actor with at least a smidge of charisma, and fun fact, the spawn of Sting and Trudie Styler plays Freddie, though only with limited success. Regardless of any minor quibbles, I definitely recommend it.

In my mind, Alain Delon in Rene Clement's 1960 "Purple Noon" was the definitive Tom Ripley. Beautiful and totally amoral. Anthony Minghella's 1999 "The Talented Mr Ripley" had a bland but thoughtful Tom Ripley who felt and suffered. Minghella had a superb script, Gwyneth Paltrow, Philip Seymour Hoffman and Cate Blanchett playing riveting, unforgettable characters. There was also John Malcovich in a Liliana Cavani version, and although I've seen it, I don''t remember it, isn't that terrible? And the Wim Wenders version with Dennis Hopper doesn't count, good film, but it doesn't count as a version of Patricia Highsmith's novel. Now this. Ripley, the series. Hours long, in black and white. My first reaction was to rejected it but the truth is that I finish seeing it over a week ago and stayed with me, I can't shake it off. Why I wonder. And the reason is very simple. Steven Zaillian's version is truly wonderful. He has de-glamorized it. The whole thing. The story, the characters. Oh the characters. I was so used to see beautiful people playing them, in gloriously glamorous locations. This version is stark and Andrew Scott is like a replicant. No emotions, not even a hint of them. Invisible. As a consequence we do all the work. We gasp or look away. He just goes on. I know I'm going to see Ripley again, maybe not tomorrow but soon. I suspect you will too.

This masterpiece of a series is completely unique from the movie, and really elicits its own distinctive film noir vibe both in cinematography and dialogue. Purposeful yet subtle performances by all involved; Andrew Scott is absolutely perfect for this role.

I haven't seen a TV series interpreted from a film source this well since Hannibal, where Mads Mikkelsen was also perfectly cast and gave an unforgettable performance.

What else can be said about this series? A bit of a slow burn, but the pacing is completely suitable, and allows for a bit more fleshing out and development of the characters. Although I love the vibrant colors along the coast of Italy as much as anyone, I feel the choice to use a monochromatic palette here really enhanced the mood and atmosphere of the story.

Top notch production in all aspects!