The best types of stories are those keeping you
guessing. After a book’s final page has turned or a movie has finished,
if their tale stays with you it’s a mark of how well it was told. Based
on Daphne du Maurier’s 1951 book, ‘My Cousin Rachel’ is such an entity.
That shouldn’t be surprising given how many of du Maurier’s books have been
successfully adapted for screens. From ‘Rebecca’ to ‘Don’t Look Now’, her
gift for psychological thrills is evident in this second movie version of ‘My
Cousin Rachel’.
When his cousin dies in mysterious circumstances, Phillip
(Sam Claflin) seeks to uncover the truth. Suspicious of his late cousin’s
wife Rachel (Rachel Weisz), Phillip integrates himself into her life.
Initially wanting to expose her as a gold-digging opportunist, Philip swiftly
becomes entranced by her bewitching manner. Events take a sinister
turn when letters surface showing Rachel in a bad light. Questioning his
line of thought, Phillip tries to solve the mystery plaguing his family once
and for all.
A very well written and directed film ‘My Cousin Rachel’ can
be appreciated on several levels. Laced with romance, drama and suspense,
it’s an engrossing film about deception and how the mind can be manipulated by
the slightest action. Is Rachel really innocent? Is she hiding something?
Is someone else casting suspicion on her? These questions remain
tantalising for the viewer to solve with new revelations effectively changing
character perceptions.
‘My Cousin Rachel’ succeeds due to Roger Michell’s astute
direction and great performances. Claflin makes for a fine hero whilst
Weisz shines as the mysterious Rachel. Her role is crucial in blending
the tough sweetness it requires. Weisz skilfully carries it off with her
co-stars rising to the challenge of balancing the mystery without giving the
game away too quickly. The cinematography is also excellent, adding
genuine atmosphere and making use of its historical setting well.
Whilst occasionally slow, ‘My Cousin Rachel’ is a generally
solid adaptation of a still captivating book. It makes you think long
after the credits have faded. That’s a good thing in this era of mindless
cinematic drudgery with more film versions of du Maurier’s works more than
welcome.
Movie Review Rating out of 10: 7
Movie Review by Patrick Moore
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