My Cousin Rachel (2017)

Review

106min

Genre:      Drama, Mystery, Romance

Director:   Roger Michell

Cast:        Sam Claflin, Rachel Weisz, Iain Glen… and more

Writers:    Daphne Du Maurier and Roger Michell

-Synopsis-

When ‘Philip’s’ wealthy cousin and guardian suspiciously dies while abroad after unexpectedly marrying their beautiful distant cousin ‘Rachel’, the young Englishman becomes caught between his suspicions of her involvement and a growing infatuation with this enchanting woman, in an adaptation of the Daphne du Maurier period novel from the director of ‘Notting Hill’ and ‘Enduring Love’.

Both Hollywood and British cinema are no strangers to the writing of legendary 20th century novelist du Maurier, having adapted her work into Alfred Hitchcock classics like ‘Rebecca’ and ‘The Birds’, as well as the disturbing Nick Roeg horror/thriller ‘Don’t Look Now’—and of course the original 1952 adaptation of ‘My Cousin Rachel’ with Olivia de Havilland and Richard Burton, making this a remake of sorts. Now director Roger Michell adds his contemporary romantic sensibilities to du Maurier dark dramatic ones in his version of this stylish and cryptic gothic drama.

Sam Claflin stars as Philip himself, an orphan raised by his older cousin ‘Ambrose’ in 19th century Cornwall, who’s set to inherit his surrogate father’s considerable rural estate after his mysterious death while away in Florence—not long after an unexpected marriage to their alluring distant cousin Rachel (Rachel Weisz). Upon her return to England, Philip’s suspicions about her involvement in Ambrose’s death are put on the back-burner by her sophistication and considerable charms, as his inheritance comes into question—much to the chagrin of his godfather (Iain Glen) and godsister (Holliday Grainger)—leaving Philip with an unshakable obsession and an uncertainty about his enigmatic new cousin Rachel.

‘My Cousin Rachel’ opens with a narration from Philip asking the question “did she, or didn’t she?”, setting the tone and the intent for the entire film right off the bat—a British costume drama which mercifully avoids too much melodrama, suggestive but subtle, poking and prodding the audience without ever giving too much away, and letting us project our own intent onto Rachel . . . and leave with more questions than when we came in.

There’s plenty of ambiguity in this story, particularly when it comes to the enigmatic Rachel herself, so if you’re looking for a narrative that’s neatly wrapped-up in a bow this may not be the period drama for you. Instead the film deftly straddles a line in the way it depicts the charming and enchanting eponymous cousin, leaving the audience wondering whether this is a post-feminist figure looking for refuge and a life of her own in Cornwall but nothing more, or a more traditional seductive and manipulative black widow looking to cleverly take whatever she can get—keeping intact the mystery of what fate she held for the men of this manor.

Despite the superb costumes and production designs, the vivid cinematography from Mike Eley to capture the beauty of rural coastal England, and a stirring piano-heavy classical score from Rael Jones, the film’s quality as a subtle psychological period drama stands on the performances of  its two leads—who expertly carry the film. Rachel Weisz delivers a nuanced and expressive performance which walks a fine line but never gives too much away, remaining enigmatic throughout and perhaps too ambivalent for some, while Sam Claflin gives the strongest and most layered performance of his young career, shining as an emotionally tormented and naive but willful young man, in what in part proves to be a coming-of-age story.

‘My Cousin Rachel’ certainly isn’t blessed with too much incident or high drama, and it might not be your cup of earl grey if you’re looking for a more traditional costume romance, or something with a faster pace or real edge—but it’s thankfully unburdened by the melodrama or predictable formula associated with the genre, managing to keep the audience guessing long after they’ve left the cinema, boasting sufficient bite and more than enough character intrigue to keep you gripped throughout . . . and keep you talking long after.

The Bottom Line . . .

Atmospheric and stylish, layered and captivating, ‘My Cousin Rachel’ subtly subverts the English period drama with enough character intrigue and moral ambiguity to keep the audience engaged and curious throughout—a well crafted costume drama which foregoes melodrama for nuance and is held together by two accomplished central performances, asking plenty of questions but letting the audience decide on the answers.

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