Generally faithful adaptation of British author Daphne du Maurier’s bestselling 1938 gothic novel about the paid companion (Lily James) to a demanding elderly woman (Ann Dowd) who travels with her employer to Monte Carlo where she meets, falls for and marries a wealthy widower (Armie Hammer). Back at the latter’s imposing estate on England’s Cornish coast, however, the formidable housekeeper (Kristin Scott Thomas), rules the roost and does her utmost to preserve the memory and routine of her beloved former mistress. The story morphs from whirlwind romance to psychological thriller as the newlywed bride struggles to cope with her servant’s treachery, her husband’s erratic behavior and, especially, the haunting presence of her predecessor. Strict purists will object to the modern sensibilities that have been allowed to intrude, including a momentary, purely gratuitous, scene of voyeurism and the lesbian undertones lean to the creepy retainer’s relationship with her deceased chatelaine. But production values are lavish, the acting is first-rate and the pleasure of revisiting a classic story endures. Mature themes, a distant glimpse of nongraphic sexual activity with partial nudity. The Catholic News Service classification is A-III — adults. The Motion Picture Association rating is PG-13 — parents strongly cautioned. Some material may be inappropriate for children under 13.
Rebecca
