Netflix has released new Andrew Scott series based on the Ripley novels

Netflix has released its latest adaptation of the acclaimed Patricia Highsmith Ripley novels, Ripley, starring Sherlock actor Andrew Scott as murderous conman Tom Ripley.

Where can I watch it?

The eight-part series premiered globally exclusively on Netflix yesterday and has met with positive first reviews across the board. The novel was already adapted for the big screen back in 1999 by Anthony Minghella, with Matt Damon and Jude Law as the leads in The Talented Mr Ripley.

This version takes a different approach. It is spread out over eight hours and is much slower-paced. It was written and directed by Steven Zaillian (Schindler’s List) and was beautifully shot in black and white by Oscar-winning cinematographer Robert Ellswit, giving it a strong Hitchcockian film noir feel.

What is it about?

Tom Ripley, a conman who can barely scrape by in early 1960s New York, is hired by a wealthy industrialist to travel to Italy to try to convince his dilettant son to return home and face his responsibilities. The seemingly simple job quickly leads Tom down the road of deceit, fraud, and eventually murder.

Who is in it?

Andrew Scott plays Tom Ripley. Dakota Fanning plays Marge Sherwood. Johnny Flynn plays Dickie Greenleaf. Additional cast includes Eliot Sumner, Maurizio Lombardi, Margherita Buy with John Malkovich, Kenneth Lonergan and Ann Cusack.

What are the critics saying?

Remus Noronha of Collider wrote: “Every shot in ‘Ripley’ is perfectly composed, worthy of being showcased in a gallery as high art.”

The Guardian’s Lucy Mangan hailed the series as a triumph:

“This scintillating and noirish adaptation leaves Matt Damon’s 1999 version in the shade. It’s largely thanks to Scott – who is just mesmerising”

Meanwhile, Entertainment Tonight has taken a more critical view:

“It requires a patience and a willingness to accept that it’s an interpretation that is trying to set itself apart from others. As a character study and as a showcase of Andrew Scott’s talents, it’s second to none.”

Watch the beautiful black-and-white trailer here:

Patricia Highsmith’s novel The Talented Mr Ripley is available on Amazon.