WHAT TO WATCH / RIPLEY

Okay, so if you've been seeing all the buzz around ‘RIPLEY’ on Netflix, especially about it being entirely in black and white, you’re probably wondering if it’s worth diving into. I totally get it! When I first started watching, I was a bit skeptical about the black and white choice, but let me tell you, it's not just a stylistic gimmick; it's a deliberate, brilliant artistic decision that truly elevates the series. From my perspective, the black and white cinematography is one of the show's strongest characters. It transports you straight into a classic noir atmosphere, making every shadow, every texture, and every nuanced expression on Andrew Scott's face incredibly pronounced. You know how the original plot involves deceit, fraud, and murder? Well, the monochrome palette perfectly mirrors the moral ambiguity and the shadowy world Tom Ripley inhabits. It strips away distractions, forcing you to focus on the intricate plot, the characters' psychology, and the stunning Italian backdrops, even without their vibrant colors. It actually made me feel a bit like I was watching a beautifully restored classic film, which is a rare treat on modern streaming platforms. Speaking of Andrew Scott, his portrayal of Tom Ripley is nothing short of captivating. I've seen him in other roles, but here, he truly embodies the cunning grifter with such subtlety and intensity. He doesn't need grand gestures; a slight change in his eyes or a barely perceptible smirk tells you everything you need to know about Ripley's manipulative mind. The black and white format actually enhances his performance by highlighting these minute details, making his character feel even more enigmatic and dangerous. You can literally see the gears turning in his head, planning his next move, and it's a masterclass in acting. Now, for anyone who might find the first couple of episodes a bit of a slow burn, I promise you, hang in there till episode 3! I almost gave up myself, but by the end of the third episode, everything clicks. The initial pacing isn't a flaw; it's a masterful build-up, slowly immersing you into Ripley's world, allowing the tension to simmer before it boils over. Once you push past that initial phase, you’ll appreciate how meticulously the story is crafted, and how every seemingly small detail from the beginning becomes crucial later on. It’s like the show wants you to feel Ripley’s slow, deliberate descent into his new life, making the eventual payoff incredibly satisfying. For me, the patience was absolutely rewarded with one of the most compelling series I've watched this year on Netflix.