RIPLEY

So very torn on this show. Stunningly photographed, impressively plotted and written, and at times, as entertaining as anything on TV this year or last. It’s obviously quite slow though, even if you’re on its wave length, and is a degree or two cooler to the touch than it needed to be. The main performances are all a bit flat and two-dimensional (even from the non-sociopaths), which seems purposeful, perhaps as a comment on the hollowness of these kinds of high society nepo expats. But the effect is to forever keep you at arm’s length. It announces its themes and motifs loudly well in advance of fully earning them. But also has more than its fair share of cleverness and wit. Completely worthwhile but not as stellar as many critics claimed. Anyway, even at 3.5 stars I’m pretty certain it’s the best thing I’ve ever watched on Netflix.