by Shane Conto
Who had the right idea to remake an Alfred Hitchcock classic film? It is surely a bold choice. Even though Rebecca is originally adapted from Daphne Du Maurier novel, most would recognize it from Hitchcock’s directorial effort from 1940. I am going to be honest and say that I have not actually seen the original film from 1940, but I was excited to see this latest attempt at adapting the novel. You take one look at even the trailer and you know that this is going to be a beautiful film. The film is also led by two young and attractive talents in Lily James and Armie Hammer (who has HUGE shoes to fill that belonged to Laurence Olivier). Throw in the stiff upper lip of Kristen Scott Thomas and you have quite the core cast. But are beautiful visuals and a talented cast enough to make this one a winner for Netflix?
Ben Wheatley takes on the massive task of taking a film that Hitchcock brought to life and remaking it in his own way.
Wheatley has made a career of creating films that blast you with style and other assets that turn out to be overall missed opportunities (looking at you High Rise and Free Fire). Wheatley knows how to capture a look and style for his films that many directors wish that they could. He is certainly able to accomplish this very thing with Rebecca. A big shout out has to go to the costume director on this film because the outfits worn throughout are striking in the colors that they have. Hammer’s suits in particular are something to behold. Though Wheatley hits a home run with his style, the film lacks a certain amount of energy. The film feels like it never gets into another gear. There are very few moments that really deliver in terms of suspense and tension. James’ character walks up to a hanging curtain and that probably is one of the strong moments (for better or worse).
One of the highlights of the film is the committed cast.
Lily James delivers a certain level of charm and charisma that sticks out on screen. Collins makes a quick and substance connection to Hammer’s Maxim de Winter and it is not hard to see why. Hammer is striking with his look and unique presence as he is a towering figure. And you don’t even have to wonder why James’ character falls so quickly. It is obviously his impeccable goldenrod suit, right? They have solid chemistry and each of them delivers some layers (Hammer specifically with an undertone of sadness and aggression). Kristen Scott Thomas is certainly the strongest performance as she has a presence that is always felt. She is sharp and biting in the way she cuts into James as well as delivering a fiery loyalty to the now deceased Rebecca. Rebecca works as well as it does due to these committed performances.
One of the most unfortunate aspects of Rebecca is that it does not feel very distinct.
Whether it is the fact that this is a tale that is almost 100 years old or the choice to give the film a straightforward style, this just feels worn already. The film is quite bland despite its striking look. Where is that gothic sensibility that drives the novel? That feel is completely missing and replaced with a more by-the-numbers feel. The story also lacks a unique tinge as it feels like so many bad relationship stories. What about the mystery around the titular Rebecca? It feels less surprising than it should. Was I surprised by anything that happened in this film? Absolutely not. Do I watch too many movies? Maybe…but that does take from the generic feeling tale.
So…did Netflix make the right choice with this bold decision to adapt a Hitchcock film?
If you judge that based off of if the film meets the expectations of the original film…then absolutely not. But should it be? if you look at this latest adaptation of Rebecca based off of its own merits, you will most likely be disappointed anyway. A beautiful look and strong central performances are not enough to elevate this bland story. The real shame is this is quite the classic tale, but it is stripped down of what gave it the suspense and thrills that Hitchcock capitalized on.
Grade: C