Rebecca

By: Jennifer Vintzileos

If you are a fan of the 1940 Alfred Hitchcock version, this may not be the film for you. Based off the novel from Daphne de Maurier, Rebecca is one of the classic Gothic stories that will resonate with all of us—but does this Netflix remake hold up on its own?

We meet an unnamed woman (Lily James) as she finds her life as a lady’s companion is not quite what it is cracked up to be. While she has wanted to see the world no matter what it takes, her employer Mrs. Van Hopper (Ann Dowd) berates and belittles the woman’s existence to others in such a malevolent manner. Yet one fellow looks beyond the woman’s dowdy work appearance and bookish nature—Maxim de Winter (Armie Hammer). Soon Maxim and the woman start to gravitate towards one another and spend more time together, something that Mrs. Van Hopper is none the wiser about. When Mrs. Van Hopper catches onto her companion’s secret, she is bored of Europe and decides that she will be going to New York to see her son Billy, meaning that her companion must follow as well. Unwilling to let go of her love for Maxim, the woman finds him before she can depart and is given a proposal to stay—a wedding proposal to become Mrs. de Winter and join Maxim at his estate called Manderley. Without hesitation, she accepts.

Free of her employer, the new Mrs. de Winter is introduced to a life of opulent wealth and a house staff at her beck and call. One of the staff members Mrs. Danvers (Kristin Scott Thomas) appears aloof and cool towards Mrs. de Winter, continually mentioning the prior Mrs. de Winter also known as Rebecca. Curious and a little bewildered that Maxim did not mention his prior wife, Mrs. de Winter is now determined to unravel the mystery behind Rebecca and figure out why Maxim pursued her when he was married to Rebecca only a year before that. With Mrs. Danvers trying to create discourse in their marriage, will the second Mrs. de Winter’s marriage sustain the truth of Rebecca’s demise or will it ruin everything?

As the 1940 version of the film was iconic all its own, Director Ben Wheatley does give the audience an interpretation worthy of modern filmmaking. Whereas the original Rebecca had to follow the Hollywood Code of the time, scenes could be displayed in more vivid detail. There is also the benefit of color versus black and white, which provides richness and more play on the character’s attire. But that elegance and detail does not quite capture the passion of the characters. Armie Hammer and Lily James do make a great Mr. and Mrs. de Winter, but there is something about Laurence Olivier and Joan Fontaine in the roles that is more compelling. Although, I was grateful to witness Lily James give a stronger female assertiveness over Fontaine’s hysteria-induced version of the character.

The remake especially lacks in the ending as it does not stay true to the story and feels a little more like a cop-out rather than the grand finale this sordid tale deserves. But like most book to movie adaptations, the movie is fine to stand alone on its own if you are not partial to the novel. The movie has the right amount of creepiness and ominous themes that will leave you wanting more.

Rebecca will give you the perfect scare factor as we approach Halloween. But like the Netflix brand, it can be hit or miss. I just wish this one had landed a little more on the “hit” side. Rebecca is now available to watch on Netflix.