Review of My Cousin Rachel (2017) by Josep P — 01 Jan 2018

Rachel Weisz puts in a strong performance as the enigmatic Rachel in this adaptation of Daphne Du Maurier's darkly gothic story of love and vengeance. Believing that she is the cause of the death of his beloved guardian, wealthy farmer Philip plans his revenge but when the enigmatic Rachel turns up, he soon finds himself bewitched and charmed by her alluring presence.

The film is well made but the central plot mystery about whether Rachel is a murderous black widow or hapless victim of circumstance is rather shoved at the viewer a little too often and so loses any subtlety and depth.

I quite like the idea that there is some ambiguity and mystery about the character of Rachel but was less convinced by the motivation and drive of the character Philip who appeared to be too gullible and fickle to be fully rounded as a 19th century landowner.

My Cousin Rachel has all the right ingredients to make it an excellent melodrama but it feels as though it has been boiled a little too long making it all a bit stodgy and dry. However, Weisz herself is very watchable and clearly relishes the role she is playing.