‘Ripley’ Review — Andrew Scott is transfixing in gorgeous Netflix adaptation

A review of the new series, on Netflix now

Let’s get this out of the way up top: yes, The Talented Mr. Ripley is great. We know. When Netflix’s eight-episode Ripley miniseries was announced, everyone on Film Twitter fell all over themselves to say that the story didn’t need to be remade, because the movie is already perfect. What could this new version possibly have to offer that the original didn’t already do?

Here’s the thing, though: Anthony Minghella’s The Talented Mr. Ripley isn’t “the original.” Patricia Highsmith’s novel was already adapted back in 1960, as Purple Noon. That movie is a masterpiece, too, so if everyone subscribed to this attitude that remakes are unnecessary, we never would’ve gotten the 1999 film either. So, can we all calm down?

Like those other two adaptations, this miniseries — all written and directed by Steven Zaillian — is the story of a con-man named Tom Ripley (Andrew Scott). Thanks to a case of mistaken identity, he’s hired to travel to Italy to find Dickie Greenleaf (Johnny Flynn), supposedly an old friend. Dickie doesn’t remember him — again, he’s a con man — but he’s nice to him anyway. Soon, as their friendship deepens, Ripley becomes fixated on Dickie’s wealth, growing increasingly jealous of his…