Rachel plays Rachel
Director: Roger Michell
Running Time: 106 Minutes
Starring: Rachel Weisz, Sam Claflin, Iain Glen, Holliday Grainger, Andrew Knott, Poppy Lee Friar
After being orphaned at a young age, Philip (Sam Claflin) is adopted by his older cousin, Ambrose Ashley. As the years pass by, Ambrose moves away to Italy, where he marries the mysterious Rachel (Rachel Weisz) prior to his death. Upon finding letters from his cousin, appearing to be cries for help, Philip believes Rachel was responsible for the death of his guardian. He begins plotting revenge, but his feelings grow complicated, as Philip falls under the charms of his cousin.
Adapted from Daphne du Maurier's novel of the same name, director Roger Michell (Notting Hill, Le Week-End) appears to have no problems in playing up the central mystery. At the source of the material lies a question, about whether Rachel is responsible for her husband's death, and delivers it in an utterly gripping and tense manner, surrounded by a goregeously gothic style.
Is Rachel a gold digging seductress and a poisoner? Or a sexually charged woman, and the victim of unfortunate gossip? Are the discovered notes written by Ambrose the desperate pleas of an unfortunate victim? Or the concoctions of an abusive man with a deteriorating mind? No definitive or easy answer is given, it's left up to the viewers to make up their mind as to what's the truth of it all. Rachel Weisz is perfectly up to the task, bringing forth a multi-layered and compelling performance, where the slightest and most subtle of actions speak a multitude of words. Make no mistake, this is her film, and Weisz more than delivers.
Recognition is deserved for Sam Claflin, who wonderfully portrays Phillip. His initial anger towards Rachel transforms into affection, as his feelings grow, and his actions become rash and impetuous. It may feel frustrating what he decides to do, but they fit well with his character, who's had limited contact with female company, and at 24, experiences his first love, while still learning what actions to take when infatuated.
An enticing thriller with an alluring gothic style, My Cousin Rachel is wonderfully brought to life by all involved. An engrossing story which challenges ones perceptions, carrying phenomenal acting talents by the cast involved.
Adapted from Daphne du Maurier's novel of the same name, director Roger Michell (Notting Hill, Le Week-End) appears to have no problems in playing up the central mystery. At the source of the material lies a question, about whether Rachel is responsible for her husband's death, and delivers it in an utterly gripping and tense manner, surrounded by a goregeously gothic style.
Is Rachel a gold digging seductress and a poisoner? Or a sexually charged woman, and the victim of unfortunate gossip? Are the discovered notes written by Ambrose the desperate pleas of an unfortunate victim? Or the concoctions of an abusive man with a deteriorating mind? No definitive or easy answer is given, it's left up to the viewers to make up their mind as to what's the truth of it all. Rachel Weisz is perfectly up to the task, bringing forth a multi-layered and compelling performance, where the slightest and most subtle of actions speak a multitude of words. Make no mistake, this is her film, and Weisz more than delivers.Recognition is deserved for Sam Claflin, who wonderfully portrays Phillip. His initial anger towards Rachel transforms into affection, as his feelings grow, and his actions become rash and impetuous. It may feel frustrating what he decides to do, but they fit well with his character, who's had limited contact with female company, and at 24, experiences his first love, while still learning what actions to take when infatuated.
An enticing thriller with an alluring gothic style, My Cousin Rachel is wonderfully brought to life by all involved. An engrossing story which challenges ones perceptions, carrying phenomenal acting talents by the cast involved.
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