By Culture Editor
Image: Courtesy Netflix
In a landscape saturated with flashy superheroes and explosive action, Netflix's "Ripley" stands out as a beacon of quiet elegance. This limited series, released on Netflix on April 4, 2024, was based on Patricia Highsmith's classic novel "The Talented Mr. Ripley."
On top of a thrilling psychological drama; it's a masterclass in visual storytelling and character portrayal. The eight-part story revolves around the protagonist Tom Ripley (Scott), a small-time swindler in 1960s New York. His life turns around when a wealthy man hires him to travel to Italy and convince his trifler son, Dickie Greenleaf (Johnny Flynn), to return home. Accepting this offer was just the first step towards a descent into a world of deception, fraud and murder. When he reaches the serene town of Atrani where Dickie is perfectly settled with his writer girlfriend Marge Sherwood (Dakota Fanning), Tom is awe-struck by his lavish lifestyle. A clever presentation of truth with an unmissable charm is enough to get the master con artist into Dickie’s good books. From here, Tom climbs his way up into Dickie’s close quarters and ends up going to extreme lengths to make that life his own.
Here's why "Ripley" deserves a place on your watchlist as one of the most elegant series of 2024:
1. A Timeless Aesthetic: The Power of Black and White
In an era dominated by CGI and vibrant color palettes, "Ripley" takes a bold step by being entirely shot in black and white. This isn't just a gimmick; it's a deliberate choice that elevates the series. The stark monochrome visuals evoke a sense of classic film noir, perfectly capturing the moral ambiguity and suspense of the story. Every frame is meticulously composed, turning the Italian landscapes and intricate set design into works of art.
