RIPLEY - STEVEN ZAILLIAN

Netflix's "Ripley" isn't your average crime drama. It's a plunge into the icy waters of a cunning mind, a black and white odyssey that lingers long after the credits roll. Andrew Scott's portrayal of Tom Ripley is nothing short of a revelation. Forget Matt Damon's Ripley; Scott chills you to the bone with a performance that's both charismatic and utterly terrifying.

This miniseries isn't a breezy whodunit. It's a slow burn, a meticulously crafted nightmare that burrows under your skin. The Rome it presents is a far cry from the postcard perfect image. It's a city of shadows, painted in monochrome, a perfect backdrop for Ripley's descent into darkness. The show's brilliance lies in its ability to make you despise Ripley and, in a strange way, understand him. Scott's Ripley is a monster, yes, but there's a chilling vulnerability beneath that sinister smile. He's a master manipulator, weaving webs of lies with an ease that's both horrifying and mesmerizing.

We, the viewers, become voyeurs to Ripley's pathology. We witness his meticulous takedown of Dickie Greenleaf, a masterclass in manipulation that's equal parts fascinating and horrifying. The violence, when it erupts, is brutal but not gratuitous. It's a stark reminder of the darkness that lurks beneath Ripley's carefully constructed facade, ready to attack at the faintest sign of a threat to his new life.

The limited series is a masterclass in tension. You spend the entire time waiting for Ripley's house of cards to come crashing down, but it never does. He's a Houdini of reinvention, a master improviser who wriggles out of every tight spot with an almost reptilian coldness. But "Ripley" is more than just a thrilling crime story. It's a disturbing exploration of human nature. The series delves into the murky depths of obsession and desire, leaving you questioning just how far one can go to become someone else.

What sets "Ripley" apart is its ability to burrow deep under the skin of its audience. The series crafts a character so insidiously charming that viewers find themselves peeling back the layers of deception with a box-cutter in order to get to the route of the poison.

The technical aspects deserve a standing ovation. The black and white visuals are stunning, creating a stark contrast between the beauty of Rome and the ugliness of Ripley's actions. The sound design is equally impressive, transporting you right into the heart of the story. You can practically hear the gulls squawking and the rain lashing down, adding to the overall atmosphere of unease.

"Ripley" is a show that will stay with you long after you've finished watching it. It's a disturbing, compelling, and ultimately unforgettable portrait of a man consumed by his own darkness. It's not for the faint of heart, but for those willing to take the plunge, it's a masterpiece.

A Mosaic of Contradictions: Unveiling the Duality of Tom Ripley

Tom Ripley is a character with intricate layers, portrayed with nuance and depth by "hot priest" Andrew Scott in a turn reminiscent to his older, more nefarious works. He is a captivating blend of charm, intelligence, and darkness, drawing viewers into his complex psyche. His persona is a mosaic of contradictions, oscillating between vulnerability and ruthlessness, kindness and manipulation.

At first glance, Ripley appears as a charming and affable individual, effortlessly navigating social circles with ease. His charisma is magnetic, drawing people towards him like moths to a flame. However, beneath this charming facade lies a profound sense of greed. Insatiable hunger. This is his biggest motivator, a relentless force that propels him forward in his pursuit of more. This dissatisfaction stems from a sense of ambiguity, perhaps inadequacy, a longing for the wealth, status, and recognition that always seem just out of reach. It's this dissatisfaction that drives Ripley to manipulate, deceive, and even kill to achieve his goals, as he is never content with his current circumstances. Each success only fuels his hunger for more, pushing him to greater extremes in his quest for fulfillment. In Ripley's world, dissatisfaction is not just a feeling, but a driving force that shapes every decision and action he takes.

In the end, Ripley is a character shrouded in mystery and intrigue, he is a testament to the complexity of human nature, reminding us that the line between good and evil is often blurred, and that the true nature of a person can be both fascinating and terrifying.

Smoke & Mirrors

In the shadowy realm where secrets whisper and shadows dance, there exists a delicate pas de deux between Ripley and the detective — a dance of cat and mouse, played out amidst the curling tendrils of smoke that rise from their ashtray.

With an unwavering gaze and resolute determination, the detective proves to be a formidable opponent against Ripley's enigmatic allure. As he follows leads, he unwittingly indulges in a ritualistic habit tied to his personal addiction—smoking—necessitating the presence of an ashtray. What imbues this situation with irony is that his addiction, rather than his inherent investigative acumen, unexpectedly guides him closer to unraveling the truth of the case he meticulously examines.

In the detective's hands, the cigarette becomes a tool—a means of contemplation, a conduit for clarity amidst the chaos. Yet, it also serves as a tether — a connection to Ripley, to the enigmatic figure who eludes his grasp at every turn. And as he places the cigarette in the ashtray, a smirk arises on Ripley's face, as he unwittingly becomes a participant in their dangerous game of cat and mouse — only this cat is more of a snake.

More Than Material: Ripley's Shiny Obsession and the Masks We Wear

Ripley's character is depicted as a master of adaptation, skillfully molding himself to fit the contours of the world around him, much like a chameleon blending into its surroundings. One notable aspect of his persona is his affinity for shiny things—a metaphorical reflection of his attraction to the allure of wealth, status, and luxury.

From the gleaming surfaces of expensive trinkets to the opulent surroundings of high society, Ripley is drawn to the tantalizing sparkle of material excess. Like a magpie drawn to shiny baubles, he is irresistibly drawn to the finer things in life, using them as both a means of assimilation and a reflection of his own aspirations.

In the world of the show, Ripley's attraction to shiny things goes beyond mere materialism—it is a manifestation of his desire for acceptance and belonging. By surrounding himself with objects of beauty and luxury, he seeks to elevate his own status and fit in with the glamorous circles he so desperately longs to be a part of.

Yet, Ripley's fascination with shiny things extends beyond the physical realm—it is also reflected in his penchant for molding himself to fit the desires and expectations of those around him. Like a sculptor shaping clay, he adapts his persona to mirror the tastes and preferences of his companions, effortlessly slipping into different roles to charm and manipulate those he encounters.

Whether it be donning the trappings of wealth and sophistication or assuming the guise of a suave socialite, Ripley is a consummate actor, capable of seamlessly blending into any environment. His ability to shape-shift and reinvent himself according to his surroundings is both a testament to his adaptability and a reflection of his relentless pursuit of acceptance and validation.