III Sommerso

Andrew Scott's performance becomes more and more impressive as the story progresses ; he often blows Johnny Flynn off the screen whereas ,in Minghella's movie ,it was the other way about ,Dickie-Law outstripping Ripley -Damon .

The most violent episode of the story ; although as far as the murder is concerned, the 1959 Clément 's "plein soleil " has technically the upper hand ,Scott makes us feel the hatred, the rancor against a sellfish boy who dismisses him like his father did before in a humiliating letter :it makes him feel like a servant , even though Dickie tells him it was a true friendship ; the pivotal sequence on the beach with the boys practising gymnastics tells it all (Highsmith depicts it but she makes no comment on their sexual orientation ) : "they are inverts" Dickie says,in a contemptous voice,and one has the strange feeling he fears he may be one of these friends of Dorothy .The "final solution" makes sense .The dolce vita's up.

The third episode of Ripley, titled "III Sommerso" and written and directed by Steven Zaillian, marks a pivotal shift in the narrative, diving deeper into Tom Ripley's calculated descent into crime. The episode showcases Tom's growing frustrations and insecurities as he finds himself increasingly alienated from Dickie and Marge. The story begins with Tom receiving a letter from Herbert Greenleaf informing him of his dismissal due to his failure to convince Dickie to return home. Simultaneously, Marge expresses her suspicions about Tom's motives, exacerbating the tension. A farewell trip to San Remo between Dickie and Tom culminates in an intense confrontation, leading to Dickie's shocking murder at Tom's hands. This act of violence, driven by desperation and a twisted sense of opportunity, sets the tone for the dark, psychological exploration of identity and deception that follows

Zaillian's direction captures the atmospheric tension brilliantly, using the picturesque yet isolating settings of Italy to underscore Tom's internal conflict and moral decay. The cinematography contrasts the serene beauty of the Mediterranean coastline with the harrowing intensity of the unfolding events, particularly during the murder scene on the boat. The use of tight framing and close-ups amplifies the claustrophobia and unease of the confrontation, mirroring Tom's psychological breakdown. The editing in this sequence is particularly striking, with rapid cuts that enhance the brutality of the act while leaving enough ambiguity to linger in the viewer's mind

Matt Damon's portrayal of Tom Ripley (a role reinterpreted in this adaptation by Andrew Scott) highlights the character's complex psyche. The episode allows Scott to delve into Tom's duality-his outward charm and inward desperation. The moment Tom dons Dickie's heirloom ring serves as a haunting symbol of his metamorphosis, embodying his aspiration to assume Dickie's identity. Marge, played with perceptive sharpness, brings an essential counterbalance to Tom's manipulative tendencies, offering a glimpse of someone unwilling to be deceived by his facade

Narratively, "III Sommerso" serves as the turning point of the series, shifting from a tale of admiration and envy to one of outright theft and survival. The murder of Dickie Greenleaf not only deepens Tom's isolation but also sets the stage for his increasingly risky attempts to maintain his web of lies. This thematic shift is handled with meticulous care, balancing the psychological weight of the story with the suspense of the thriller elements. However, some critics note that the episode relies heavily on slow-building tension, which might feel drawn out to viewers expecting more immediate resolution

Overall, the episode succeeds in escalating the stakes and immersing viewers in Tom's morally ambiguous world. While the pacing might challenge those less attuned to the psychological nuances of the story, the stunning performances, evocative direction, and thematic depth make "III Sommerso" a standout chapter in the series. It effectively captures the chilling essence of Patricia Highsmith's original work while offering fresh visual and narrative interpretations that keep the audience on edge. This episode not only solidifies Ripley's transition into darker territories but also raises compelling questions about identity, morality, and the lengths one will go to reinvent themselves.