Film review: Rebecca (2020) directed by Ben Wheatley.

Hi everyone apologies for the late post. I have been away and have had the busiest few days. It was unexpected. This is also why I missed my post on Friday. But anyway, here we are! I present to you the 2020 film version of Daphne du Maurier's Rebecca...

This film rather captivated me. Having watched the 1940 film version it was nice to see something different. I am not denying how much I liked the 1940 version, just that I liked this one too in other ways. This film was passionate and intense, it was serious and shocking. The Monte Carlo scenery and the Cornish backdrop added to this effectively. These locations were beautiful. I recognised some of the filming locations used in the film, all coincidently National Trust properties. The first being Ham House and Garden in Richmond, London which I have been to. The second was Osterley Park and House in South West London which I have also been to. Then I noticed moments which I realised were Petworth in West Sussex, though I have not been to. Apparently Waddesdon in Buckinghamshire was used, though I had no idea about this one. These locations added to the passion and seriousness of Rebecca. What was there not to love about this film?

I will admit that some of the intimate scenes threw me because I was not expecting them. However the sinister scenes with Mrs Danvers provided a sharp contrast. Kristin Scott Thomas' Mrs Danvers brought a fresh, new layer to the character. In this film I see two sides to Mrs Danvers - Wickedness and grief which in turn leads to envy. It's this complex character that provides a great aspect of the gothic horror theme. That and her ability to emphasis Rebecca's presence. Through what she said and the way she said it, I shuddered more than once in the film.

The tension and the emotions are intensified all throughout this film. From Mrs Danvers, Max and his new wife, to less popular characters such as Max's mother or his sister Beatrice. This film is an excellent film to watch and I am giving it a 9/10.


Until next time,


Thomas.

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