Ripley Mini-series Review

Ripley (2024)
Mini-series - 8 episodes

Watch Ripley on Netflix // Buy the book (paid link)
Created by: Steven Zaillian
Based on: The Talented Mr. Ripley by Patricia Highsmith
Starring: Andrew Scott, Johnny Flynn, Dakota Fanning, Maurizio Lombardi, Bokeem Woodbine
Rated: TV-MA
Watch the trailer

Plot
A grifter named Tom Ripley living in New York during the 1960s is hired by a wealthy man to begin a complex life of deceit, fraud, and murder.

Verdict
I'm intrigued by anything that bucks standard conventions. This is focused on the process rather than just the action. Shot in black and white and set in 1960s Italy, this feels older than it is, deliberate in story and visuals. There's less dialog than a typical series, and that only heightens the impact as we watch Tom carry out his deceptions. It's an engrossing story of murder, intrigue, and insecurity, heightened by a vivid look imparted by the color choice and a distinct feel due to the setting and framing.
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Review
This opts for black and white either to feel older or look more artistic. It sets the pace early as we see Tom Ripley (Andrew Scott) put on his shoes in a tight shot before it establishes his apartment. Everything about this series is deliberate and distinct. The dialog is sparse with characterization coming from how characters talk and act.

Johnny Flynn, Andrew Scott play Dickie Greenleaf, Tom Ripley

Tom is a small time grifter mistaken for a friend of Dickie Greenleaf (Johnny Flynn). Tom of course plays along and is sent by Dickie's father on a paid vacation to Italy to retrieve the son. Tom has to see a mark in Dickie. He knows the family is rich, and Dickie lives in Italy after all. The setting is great, and this uses plenty of wide shots to show off the city. This family has everything Tom doesn't. A reoccurring question is whether Tom is interested in Dickie or just Dickie's life.

This creates a mood through pace, and that belies Tom's patience. He's willing to play the long con to gain an advantage. Dickie's girlfriend Marge (Dakota Fanning) is a bit suspicious, but Tom moves in with Dickie anyway.

In the second episode, when a woman in distress asks Dickie for cab fare Tom asks how he didn't see it was a scam. Later when Dickie strikes a deal with a mafia agent, Dickie asks him the same question. Dickie sees that scam, but Tom claims he doesn't. Is Tom trying to invoke sympathy or did his ruse slip as he tried to make a quick dollar and thought Dickie wouldn't realize the setup?

Episode 3: Andrew Scott plays Tom Ripley

I never quite know how to take Tom. We don't know if we're hearing how he feels or a story as part of his grift. So much happens between the lines. Tom and Dickie travel together and the concierge gives them a look when they check in. Does Tom feel guilt for his scam or is he afraid the concierge thinks they're a couple? There's a lot of same sex couple subtext, though Dickie seems more preoccupied with it than Tom. We never know what to make of Tom. Is he insecure or awkward? Throughout his schemes he writes various letters as someone else, always defending 'Tom' and his helpfulness. It's delusion. Tom wants to create this life of luxury for himself, and he also wants to create this image of the person he could be. He's living a charade.

Andrew Scott plays Tom Ripley

The series takes time with everything, knowing exactly what it wants to do and how to look. It evokes a feeling. Episode three has a nearly silent sequence where Tom ensures his deception is maintained. It's uncomfortable but engrossing, highlighted by the quietness. He acts impulsively, then must work to cover it up and create an alibi.

This show isn't about what's happening; it's focused on the process as Tom strives to maintain the ruse. We see him conceal yet another crime in another episode. He sits down for a drink thinking he got away with it only to remember one more detail he left unresolved as he hurriedly leaves the chair and drink behind.

The problem with Tom's scheme is that lies beget more lies. It certainly seems like he'll be found out; if not from Marge then the police inspector. The great thing about a mini-series is that you know it will provide a conclusion. I like how this ends. While we never like Tom as he's cold and calculating, it's fascinating to watch him try to balance the lies. A loose thread could unravel his stories at any moment. He's not a mastermind which is why his crimes and coverups veer towards inept. He just saw a situation he could leverage and did, clinging throughout this season to this new life he's created.