Netflix’s adaptation of ‘Rebecca’ boasts stunning visuals and a cast that looks like they stepped out of a fashion magazine. Armie Hammer, who I wasn’t familiar with before watching, resembles a Ken doll—apparently, he’s quite the sensation? (No offense; I’m gay.) His love interest, Lily James, could be described as a mix between January Jones and Emilia Clarke. There’s definitely plenty of eye candy!
But the film isn’t just about the visuals—it’s an intriguing story that has a rich historical background, making it perfect to watch with a friend or partner. ‘Rebecca’ is a treat for cinephiles.
Plot Overview
The story follows a young woman from a humble background who falls for Maxim de Winter, a charming British aristocrat. After a whirlwind romance, they marry and move to his grand estate, Manderly. Upon arrival, she encounters the stern Mrs. Danvers, who served as the devoted housekeeper to Maxim’s late wife, Rebecca. The memory of Rebecca looms large over the estate, and whispers about the mysterious circumstances of her death create an eerie atmosphere. As the new Mrs. de Winter settles into her new life, her husband becomes increasingly distant, and unsettling secrets begin to surface.
When I first watched ‘Rebecca’, I found it enjoyable and reminiscent of a novel filled with clever twists. However, I had questions: How could this “lady’s companion” afford such beautiful clothes? What draws her to Maxim besides his wealth? Does she even have a name? And am I really supposed to root for her to get away with murder?
In my quest for answers, I learned that ‘Rebecca’ is based on a novel by Daphne du Maurier, published in 1938. It became an instant hit, leading producers to rush to secure film rights. This historical context is part of what makes the film and its adaptations so fascinating.
Alfred Hitchcock’s 1940 version marked his U.S. directing debut and remains the only film of his to win an Academy Award for Best Picture. However, he later distanced himself from it due to strict censorship laws that altered various elements of the story. The Hays Code imposed stringent guidelines on American films from 1934 to 1968, which significantly impacted the narrative.
One intriguing aspect to explore is how the original 1940 script handled censorship, particularly regarding “sexual perversion” and explicit violence. For instance, the book depicts Rebecca’s death by gunshot, but Hitchcock had to tone it down to an accident for his film, fundamentally changing the character dynamics.
Another fascinating layer is Mrs. Danvers’ character, who likely harbored romantic feelings for the late Rebecca. While I initially interpreted her obsession as mere loyalty, the subtext adds depth to her character, especially in scenes where she reminisces about her time with Rebecca.
Critics have been harsh on the 2020 remake, with publications like The New York Times and NPR expressing their disdain. In my opinion, despite the modern upgrades, I preferred the original Hitchcock version. The characters felt more authentically flawed, with a deeper exploration of their motivations and relationships.
Despite its flaws, I enjoyed the remake much more after uncovering its historical context and the hidden queer themes. So grab some popcorn, get comfy, and consider diving into both film adaptations along with the book. You might even explore the history of Hollywood censorship and its relationship with themes of sexuality and violence.
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In summary, ‘Rebecca’ is not only visually captivating but also rich with history and hidden themes. Engaging with both adaptations and the original novel can provide a deeper understanding of the story’s complexities and the context of its creation.
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