Rebecca – Netflix Review (3/5)

REBECCA is the new Netflix adaptation of a story made famous by the 1940 Alfred Hitchcock movie. It’s a thriller-mystery that could also be described simply as a gothic-thriller. This time directed by Ben Wheatley (High-Rise). Read our full Rebecca (2020) Netflix movie review here!

REBECCA is a new Netflix gothic-thriller with a plot full of mystery. This is hardly a new story, of course, since the book written by Daphne Du Maurier was already adapted back in 1940 by none other than Alfred Hitchcock. A movie that received a whole slew of Oscar nominations and even won several.

This new adaptation of Rebecca will no doubt reach a whole new audience. Both due to the release on Netflix and thanks to a fresh and current cast. For me, the director made me the most curious about this new version. Unfortunately, I wasn’t exactly “wowed” by the actual movie.

Continue reading our Rebecca (2020) Netflix movie review below for more on this new adaptation.

Not exactly what the trailer teased

If you’ve watched the Netflix trailer for Rebecca, you will probably be expecting something quite different from what you’ll get. Of course, if you’re already familiar with the story from either the book or another adaptation, then you’ll know exactly what to expect. And then you might wonder; What is the point of doing another version?!

Sure, one could say the same thing about the Netflix series The Haunting of Bly Manor. However, creator Mike Flanagan managed to create something new by including more stories by the same author and by changing the age in which the story played out.

There are no such updates or surprises with Rebecca in its 2020 version.

The cast of Rebecca in 2020

There is, however, a brand new cast for this new version of Rebecca and it’s one that works really well. We have Lily James (Pride and Prejudice and Zombies) as Mrs. de Winter. We still never learn her first name just as we never get to see the face of Rebecca. Armie Hammer (Wounds) is dashingly handsome though seems to disappear for much of the movie – as does his personality.

And then there’s Kristin Scott Thomas as Mrs. Danvers!

Now, there is an actor having fun and creating something you should be intrigued by. Of course, Kristin Scott Thomas (Only God Forgives) does seem to always manage to deliver performances that stay with the audience. Mrs. Danvers is the housekeeper at Manderley and she is both scary and utterly fascinating. You never feel quite sure what she might be capable of.

Watch Rebecca (2020) on Netflix!

Ben Wheatley directed this 2020-version of Rebecca and he’s a director we usually really like here at Heaven of Horror. Not because all of his movies are masterpieces. However, he does tend to surprise and include little unexpected twists to any story.

Ben Wheatley previously directed Kill List (2011), Sightseers (2012), a segment of The ABCs of Death, and High-Rise (2015). Up next, Ben Wheatley is set to direct Tomb Raider 2 which will also have Kristin Scott Thomas as part of the cast. And yes, I will definitely be ready to check it out!

I’m not sure I really needed this new version of Rebecca, but I do appreciate the gorgeous visuals and wonderful performances from an impressive cast. Besides, I recognize that many people just aren’t interested in watching a movie from 1940. Even if it was directed by Hitchcock.

Also, for Kristin Scott Thomas as Mrs. Danvers alone, I would definitely recommend that you do check it out on Netflix.

Rebecca is out on Netflix worldwide from October 21, 2020.

Details

Director: Ben Wheatley
Writers: Jane Goldman, Joe Shrapnel, Anna Waterhouse
Stars: Lily James, Armie Hammer, Kristin Scott Thomas, Ann Dowd, Sam Riley, Keeley Hawes