Ripley (2024) Limited Mini-Series Review

Ripley (2024) is a literary dark crime drama about a cunning conman Tom Ripley. So, in this neo-noir set in beautiful Italy, its thrilling tale focuses on the intended and unintended victims of the said criminal grifter.

The story of this limited series is based on the 1955 book ‘The Talented Mr. Ripley‘ by Patricia Highsmith. However, it is worth mentioning that there are quite a few plot deviations from that of the original novel.

Trailer: Ripley (2024) Limited Mini-Series

Synopsis: Ripley (2024) Limited Mini-Series

A grifter named Ripley (Andrew Scott) living in New York during the 1960s is hired by a wealthy man to bring his vagabond son home from Italy. Thereafter, this grifter Ripley is drawn into a world of wealth and privilege after taking the said unique job in Italy. But to seize the life he wants, he must build a web of lies.

(Ripley) ~ He's a liar. It's his profession. 

Rating: Ripley (2024) Limited Mini-Series

Posters: Ripley (2024) Limited Mini-Series

‘Ripley’ Is A Stylish But Dark Crime Thriller

Spoiler Free Review: Ripley (2024) Series

The introduction

We have heard the famous surname ‘Ripley’ before. We believe that for the first time, we came to know about ‘Ripley’ name when we read about ‘Ripley’s Believe It or Not’ franchise. Years later, we saw ‘The Talented Mr. Ripley’ (1999) movie. After that, we also came to learn about the novel of the same title mentioned above. It was an interesting read about the immoral and poisonous man sucking the proverbial oxygen in the room.

So far, there have been many screen adaptations (named below) of Patricia Highsmith’s novel series.

Interestingly, Andrew Scott is the sixth actor to portray Tom Ripley on film, after Alain Delon in Purple Noon (1960), Dennis Hopper in The American Friend (1977), Matt Damon in The Talented Mr. Ripley (1999), John Malkovich in Ripley's Game (2002), and Barry Pepper in Ripley Under Ground (2005). In all of the screen adaptations, their writers and directors have put forward their interpretations of the original novel by Patricia Highsmith.

This eight-part series is the latest interpretation of the original novel. So, its tale slightly deviates from the original novel, in terms of a bunch of details. But, we shall not discuss them here.

Ripley is a story of a ruthless conman

In this latest Ripley (2024) series, Tom Ripley (Andrew Scott) is an evil con artist. Throughout the eight episodes, he has actively participated in an elaborate web of lies and deceptions. He does not care about the numerous victims of his crimes. It seems that he only wishes to maintain his wealthy lifestyle funded by various scams pulled off by him. And he goes to any length to protect his self-interest at all costs. Hence, there is a long list of crimes that he has committed in this drama, viz., deceit, impersonation, fraud, murder, etc.

After watching it, we are sure that many moral dilemma questions are likely to crop up in the viewers’ minds. For us, it was a difficult watch, as we saw the master manipulator at the top of his con game, committing heart-breaking crimes and then moving on from one victim(s) to the next. In a way, it also puts the working dynamics of the real world into perspective. Where, quite often, the bad people climb the social ladder and enjoy lives.

Black & White colours dominate

You know, it is the second time in recent weeks that we have across a black-and-white movie/series, hope you remember the Bramayugam (2024) Indian Movie. That was a horror flick based on the local Malayalam fable.

But, what about the use of the dominant “Black & White” colour in the cinematography in this Ripley series? We waited patiently, for the colourful pictures of picturesque Italy, but that did not happen.

Maybe, the story is set in the 1960s, so its creator has decided to use it. Or perhaps, the story is the dark and unapologetic depiction of crimes so the lack of colour suits the story. No doubt, the haunting cinematography in the monochrome colour rightfully sets the eerie and sinister mood of the series. Even the background music made us panicky and uncomfortable in quite a few scenes. Perhaps, all of these together highlight the pervading darkness among the humans. Some of us suppress the darkness within us, while people like Ripley live off the darkness.

In a way, the use of monochrome colour is the USP of this enigmatic series too. That focuses on human behaviour or should we call it despicable misbehaviour by a criminal grifter.

What else did we love/like about it?

The creator of this show Steven Zaillian has masterfully created a new version of Ripley. In his homage, the story and the camera primarily focus on the questionable cold-blooded actions and behaviour of a toxic Ripley.

Andrew Scott (Tom Ripley) plays the meaty role of the lead with a lot of gusto and zest. Not only does Andrew breathe life, but he is also provided a rare gravitas to such a hateful conman. However, he is not alone. Dakota Fanning (Marge Sherwood) is equally good as the vulnerable woman who has lost important pieces in her life. The rest of the ensemble cast has done a good job too, in keeping us engrossed in this nasty and hurtful tale.

The conclusion

As the story is set in Italy, the said show was mainly filmed in Rome, Venice, Capri and other places in picture-perfect Italian tourist places. In addition, the predominant use of the Italian language in this series lends credence and authenticity to this crime drama. In case, like us, you are an avid fan of Irish actor Andrew Scott and American actress Dakota Fanning, then it is a must-watch. Even otherwise, we loved this slow-burning psychological neo-noir crime drama about a vile and malevolent con artist Ripley. He is a bad, very bad man.

Key Details: Ripley (2024) Series

Spoilers Alert:- Episodes Summary

Please note that we are not sharing the ending of this mini-series, as it may spoil your viewing pleasure.

"The Seven Works of Mercy," an oil painting created by the renowned Italian artist Caravaggio circa 1607, captures the essence of the seven corporal works of mercy in the context of Catholic tradition. This masterpiece depicts a collection of compassionate acts that focus on meeting the material needs of those in distress.

Sommerso (Italian) means Submerged.

La dolce vita (Italian) means sweet life &/or the good life.

LUCIO (Italian) means light.

Narcissus is a beautiful youth in Greek mythology who pines away for love of his own reflection and is then turned into the narcissus flower.

Posters and Featured Images of the Ripley (2024) Limited Series are courtesy of Netflix.