My Cousin Rachel is a period mystery/romance, based on the novel by Daphne Du Maurier, who also wrote Rebecca and The Birds.
The central character is Philip, a young man who was orphaned as a child and taken in by his older cousin, Ambrose Ashley. At the beginning of the film, Ambrose becomes ill, and is forced to move to the warmer climate of Italy. Although Philip remains in England, the two write frequently. Through the letters, Philip learns that his cousin has married a woman called Rachel. Further letters are cause for concern, and then alarm, as Ambrose tells that his wife watches him like a hawk, tries to stop his letters, and that he is feeling very threatened. Philip travels to Italy to find out what's going on, but arrives too late. His guardian is already dead and Rachel has disappeared. In the absence of a new will, Ambrose's estate falls to Philip. He vows to seek revenge on the woman he believes has murdered his cousin.
He finally makes contact with Rachel who then comes to stay in the large house Philip has inherited. Instead of wreaking revenge Philip falls heavily for Rachel. His godfather and the girl who loves him look on helplessly. The doctor who supposedly cared for Ambrose in ItAly Makes an appearance at the house, and Rachel invites him to stay. As Philip becomes more emotionally entangled, and the others learn more about Rachel's past, the question looms, did Rachel kill Ambrose and what are her intentions towards Philip?
This film has a first rate cast of predominantly British actors. Rachel is played expertly and beguilingly by Rachel Weisz, who was recently seen in a very different role in Denial. She keeps us guessing as to did she or didn't she. A perfect piece of casting. Philip is played by Sam Claflin (The Finest, The Hunger Games). His portrayal of the besotted young man is at times very believable as this is his first love. At other times, however, the character becomes irritating and we lack empathy, perhaps because Claflin's performance is a little too much at one level. The angst driven characterisation does not allow for the nuances which may help us to like him more.
Holliday Grainger (Cinderella, The Borgias) plays the love interest, the wholesome country girl. We feel for her as she watches the man she loves become so ridiculous. Iain Glen (Game of Thrones) is the caring godfather who looks on powerlessly. The excellent Simon Russell Beale is Philip's lawyer. Pierfrancesco Favino plays well the role of Ambrose's Italian doctor, and we are never quite sure of him. There are also many other excellent characters, all excellently portrayed, some of whom are quite delightful.
Shot entirely on location in England and Italy, there are some nice scenes, particularly of Florence and of rural Devon landscapes. The cinematography, however, does not capture the beauty that it could have. Much of it has an Instagram look and feel. More could have been made of the landscape and interiors.
Director Roger Michell has made some very good films, including Notting Hill, Venus, and Changing Lanes. My Cousin Rachel is probably not his best.
This interpretation of My Cousin Rachel is very much a melodrama. The costumes are beautiful, the settings both beautiful and dramatic. The performances are intense and, generally, expertly played. A few things prevent this film reaching its full potential. Much more could have been achieved with the lighting and cinematography. The incidental music is very over the top. The constant, melodramatic music is a key factor in turning what could have been a good drama into a melodrama. Perhaps the involvement of an American production house has led to this unfortunate decision. Also, was it the American production house or the director who made what was supposed to be a highly dramatic scene quite laughable, when a string of valuable pearls breaks and all the pearls bounce down the stairs? This could never happen as pearls have a knot in between each one; not only is this a fact, but the knots had been clearly visible prior to the string breaking.
My Cousin Rachel is a nice costume melodrama and will be enjoyed by many. It's currently screening at Palace Nova Eastend Cinemas, where you can also enjoy a glass of wine with your film.
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