Andrew Scott's Captivating Performance

At first glance, comparisons to the acclaimed film adaptation starring Matt Damon and Jude Law may arise. Indeed, the movie holds a special place in the hearts of many, but "Ripley" carves its own niche, offering a compelling narrative that stands on its own merits. Personally, I found the initial episodes to be a slow burn, but as the story unfolded, I found myself irresistibly drawn into its web.

Central to the show's allure is Andrew Scott's portrayal of Tom Ripley. Scott's nuanced performance breathes life into the character, imbuing him with a complexity that is both mesmerizing and unsettling. From his subtle mannerisms to the depth of emotion conveyed in each scene, Scott's portrayal elevates the series to new heights.

The Intrigue of Ripley's Scamming Activities

One aspect that particularly intrigued me was the exploration of Ripley's scamming activities. The series delves into greater detail, shedding light on the ingenuity and cunning that define Ripley's character. It's fascinating to witness the lengths to which he goes to achieve his goals, laying the groundwork for the twists and turns that lie ahead.

Dakota Fanning's Memorable Role as Marge

Dakota Fanning as Marge, who was also fantastic. So fantastic that she was literally so annoying that I was rooting for Ripley to murder her throughout at least the last four episodes. She was extremely annoying but hey that's who she was supposed to be.

Eliot Sumner's Misstep as Freddie Miles

Probably an even worse casting mistake was casting Eliot Sumner as Freddie Miles. While he is not a bad actor, he isn't even in the same world as Philip Seymour Hoffman when it comes to playing Freddie Miles. Sumner's character is someone you dislike because he's arrogant and absurdly rich and doing no work. The thing is you almost feel bad for him because he is so weak and pathetic looking with an arrogant personality. Hoffman played Miles like oh, I don't like this guy but I don't want to make a fool out of myself in front of him because... I don't know, confidence? Who knows but he pales in comparison.

Supernatural Elements and Final Thoughts

When Tom Ripley falls off the boat and struggles to get back on, I do believe that the boat might have been taken over by the spirit of someone. Further evidence is shown later, especially the figure on the pier.

The bottom line: Watch it or Skip? 100% Watch! It is a unique spin on the movie The Talented Mr. Ripley. There are many parts that are definitely better and more detailed. It is also much longer than the movie.