Andrew Scott takes the lead in black-and-white "Ripley" series by Steve Zallian

The limited Netflix series is based on the 1999 film, “The talented Mr. Ripley.”

ENTERTAINMENT DESK:

“The Talented Mr. Ripley,” is returning to screens in a fresh adaptation. Helmed by acclaimed filmmaker Steve Zallian, known for his work on "The Irishman" and "The Night Of", this eight-episode series takes a bold artistic turn by employing black-and-white cinematography to evoke the essence of Patricia Highsmith’s 1955 novel.

 

Zallian, who has taken on the roles of writer, director, and executive producer for this project, was inspired by the novel's atmospheric depth to choose black-and-white cinematography for the entire series.

 

Courtesy: Forbes

 

The story unfolds in the early 1960s, focusing on the cunning and complex character of Tom Ripley, portrayed by Andrew Scott, known for his memorable roles as Moriarty in "Sherlock" and the "hot priest" in "Fleabag."

 

In "Ripley," Scott's character is a skilled forger and con artist operating in New York City, whose life spirals into darkness after he accepts a job from a wealthy businessman.

 

The task? To travel to Italy and persuade the businessman's son, Dickie Greenleaf, to return to America. However, this mission soon leads Tom into a world of deception, fraud, and murder, marking a dramatic shift from his initial intentions.

 

Johnny Flynn, an accomplished actor and musician, steps into the shoes of Dickie Greenleaf, a role previously filled by Jude Law in the 1999 film adaptation. Flynn's Dickie is a trust fund beneficiary with aspirations of becoming a renowned painter, who warmly welcomes Tom into his life.

 

The series also features Dakota Fanning as Marge Sherwood, Dickie's girlfriend who is immediately wary of Tom's intentions. Fanning, whose career took off with her role in "I Am Sam" opposite Sean Penn, has since starred in numerous high-profile films and series, including "War of the Worlds," the "Twilight" saga, and "The Alienist."

 

Eliot Sumner debuts in a significant acting role as Freddie Miles, a wealthy acquaintance of Dickie's who suspects Tom's motives from the start. Sumner, the child of music legend Sting and Trudie Styler, previously appeared in "The Gentlemen" and "No Time to Die."

 

Additionally, Dickie's father is played by Kenneth Lonergan, the Oscar-winning writer-director known for "Manchester by the Sea" and "You Can Count on Me."