I love a gothic tale. It's not really scary. But can be very spooky and makes your skin crawl at certain moments. You still get that feeling that something bad is going to happen. It’s even scarier if the creature does not come out and attack you. Sometimes the real villain is never seen at all.lo
Which brings us to Rebecca. Based on the novel by Daphne du Maurier. It tells the story of an unnamed woman who marries a widowed wealthy man. She goes to live with him at his estate. Only to discover it is haunted by his late wife, Rebecca.
There have been many adaptations of the famous novel. I became familiar with it because of the 2006 dutch musical version. Personally I didn't know what was going on, but it looked and sounded amazing. Eventually I watched the 1940 film by Alfred Hitcock and fell in love with the story. A mix of Melodrama, romance and Gothic elements are right up my alley.
WARNING: I won't be giving away any spoilers.
So what did I like about the new adaptation? The new film follows the novel with elements, or rather tributes, to hitchcock thrown in. There is a tribute to hitchcock's “The Birds”. Also Mrs. DeWinter being a blonde, a small yet nice tribute to the director.
IT LOOKS BEAUTIFUL! The beginning of the film takes place in 1930s monte carlo. Very Lush and colorful. When we reach the English countryside, it's very dark. With a haunted like appearance. The small rooms and long hallways give a claustrophobic feel. These elements make you feel almost part of the story.
The love story moments. It's very passionate, secretive and romantic. This is one of those cases where you have to see it to understand what I'm talking about.
The creepy factor. Like I said, I love a gothic story. The spooky elements and the moments that you know something is wrong. You know something bad is just around the corner. It's a nice touch for me.
Kristin Scott Thomas as Mrs. Danvers. She wins the movie in my book. Very unsettling and untrustworthy in every scene she's in. You are instantly uncomfortable every time she's on screen.
While I did enjoy the film, I did have some dislikes.
While it’s only for a “blink and you’ll miss it” second, You see Rebecca. A big creepy factor of the original movie, book and musical is Rebecca is talked about but never seen, not even in flashback. The fact that she is seen in this film gives away part of the mystery.
It drags a little towards the end but that’s a minor thing
The film could have ended with Mrs. De Winter and Mrs. Danvers but again a minor thing.
So what's my opinion of “Rebecca”. I enjoyed the film very much. If you have never seen an adaptation of the story, start with this. It looks fantastic, adds new elements, and gives a good tribute to its predecessors.
“Rebecca” is available for streaming on Netflix
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