Netflix viewers gobsmacked as ‘grim’ TV series somehow ‘betters’ 90s film-Josie Copson-Entertainment – Metro

The Talented Mr. Ripley grossed $128 million worldwide (Picture: Phil Bray/Paramount/Miramax/Kobal/REX/Shutterstock)

Netflix’s thriller series Ripley has received rave reviews, with some people even remarking it’s better than the previous film.

The adaptation, based on Patricia Highsmith’s 1955 novel, stars Andrew Scott as the titular character, who is paid to bring a wealthy man’s wayward son Dickie Greenleaf (Johnny Flynn) home from Italy, but upon arrival he becomes enamoured by the lifestyle leading to darkness and deceit.

The material was previously tackled by Hollywood, with the 1999 movie The Talented Mr. Ripley starring Gwyneth Paltrow, Matt Damon and Jude Law.

It grossed $128 million worldwide, received five Academy Award nominations, and picked up legions of fans with many even describing it as their favourite film.

Some may consider Netflix brave for tackling it again, with such a popular movie already doing it so well.

However, the risk seems to have paid off with the eight-parter, which also features Dakota Fanning as Dickie’s girlfriend Marge Sherwood, receiving high praise.

Andrew Scott plays Tom Ripley (Picture: Netflix/AP)

The film is a celebrated classic (Picture: Lance Staedler/Paramount/Miramax/Kobal/REX/Shutterstock)

‘I’m a huge fan of Patricia Highsmith’s work and the #Ripley books. I didn’t think the film could be bettered but, my word, this @netflix series is incredible. Beautifully shot and Andrew Scott is just magnificent in the titular role. An absolutely stunning production,’ wrote Chelle Belle on X.

Emily Thomas thought it stayed more loyal to the original source material than the film. ‘More grim and squalid and menacing,’ she explained. Mellisa Hoyer agreed with the sentiment and added: ‘Love it’s shot in B&W. Am totally engrossed.’

‘Andrew Scott’s version is for me the best yet,’ wrote Reverend Richard Coles.

Andrew called it ‘vastly different’ (Picture: Netflix/AP)

The adaptation, shot in black and white, is ‘vastly different’ to the film, says Andrew, 47.

‘I absolutely adore the film, it had a huge influence on me. But this is a vastly different version of it,’ he told ET.

‘It’s completely different and so I think as soon as people start watching it they’ll go, “Oh, this is a completely different thing”.’

Ripley is available to watch on Netflix now

Got a story?

If you’ve got a celebrity story, video or pictures get in touch with the Metro.co.uk entertainment team by emailing us celebtips@metro.co.uk, calling 020 3615 2145 or by visiting our Submit Stuff page – we’d love to hear from you.

MORE : Netflix star shares video of horror accident before hospital dash

MORE : Netflix icons unrecognisable as ‘awful’ characters in new Monty Python-esque film

MORE : Netflix fans have huge concern about iconic TV series after massive ‘twist’

Entertainment – MetroRead More