The Netflix adaptation of the classic Gothic novel stars a Downton Abbey favourite.
Period drama enthusiasts might be missing out on a Netflix treasure, adapted from one of literature’s most cherished classics.
This gripping thriller film, described as “gripping from beginning to end”, features a beloved Downton Abbey star alongside a favourite from Slow Horses.
Rebecca, which arrived on Netflix in 2020, draws from Daphne Du Maurier’s renowned thriller bearing the same title.
Du Maurier’s 1938 Gothic masterpiece remains a timeless classic, celebrated for its compelling themes and shocking plot twists, continuing to captivate audiences nearly a century after publication.
This bestselling novel has inspired multiple adaptations throughout the decades, including Alfred Hitchcock’s 1940 version, which claimed the Academy Award for Best Picture.
READ MORE: ‘Perfect’ Matt Damon thriller based on chilling bestseller is streaming nowREAD MORE: ‘Masterclass’ horror movie that left fans ‘shaken to the core’ now on Netflix
Ben Wheatley’s latest interpretation for Netflix brings together performances from Call Me by Your Name’s Armie Hammer, Lily James and Kristin Scott Thomas.
James has garnered acclaim for portraying Rose in Downton Abbey, Young Donna in Mamma Mia! Here We Go Again, and Pamela Anderson in Pam and Tommy.
Thomas, a distinguished British actress, is recognised for her roles as Diana Taverner in Slow Horses, Fiona in Four Weddings and a Funeral, and Sylvia McCordle in Gosford Park.
The IMDb synopsis for Rebecca states: “A young newlywed arrives at her husband’s imposing family estate on a windswept English coast and finds herself battling the shadow of his first wife, Rebecca, whose legacy lives on in the house long after her death.”
Despite Rebecca holding a rather modest 37% rating on Rotten Tomatoes, numerous viewers believe the film deserves more recognition based on the feedback, reports the Express.
Get Netflix free with Sky
Sky is giving away a free Netflix subscription with its new Sky Stream TV bundles, including the £15 Essential TV plan.
This lets members watch live and on-demand TV content without a satellite dish or aerial and includes hit shows like Stranger Things and The Last of Us.
Viewers flocked to the comments section to express their opinions, with one remarking: “This movie gripped me from beginning to end. I couldn’t look away, and I didn’t see anything coming. You think you know what the movie is about, then there is a twist, and the whole thing takes a left turn you didn’t see coming.”
“ABSOLUTELY LOVED IT! ! !” another enthusiast declared, continuing: “Nothing can touch the original masterpiece however this film, in many ways, is faithful Du Mauriers cunning flip of stereotypes.”
“Loved the thrill, love story, period views, so well made I would watch it again,” a third audience member wrote, whilst another concurred: “Loved the book and this version of it in film. Have watched I many times. Great cast and acting.”
Additional supporters praised how the classic novel had been brought to life on Netflix, with one suggesting: “If you’ve read Rebecca and it’s a beloved novel to you, this movie is amazing. A great rendition.”
Others were baffled by the film’s poor reception, with one viewer stating: “I don’t understand all the bad reviews for Rebecca. I loved the new adaptation. I especially loved the costumes and filming locations. Lily James does a wonderful job.”
“Excellent twist on a classic thriller! I am not sure why this doesn’t have better reviews but it is well worth your time,” one supporter declared, whilst another concurred: “This movie is a stunningly faithful adaptation of Daphne du Maurier’s classic novel.”
Another viewer gushed: “What a ride! ! ! This genre bending thriller will take you on the wildest roller coaster of your life. The next time someone asks me what my favorite movie is, I’m saying Rebecca.
“This movie surpassed my every expectation. Here I was, sitting on the couch expecting some lame romance but nope! ! I am going to pass this movie down through generations of my family.”
Yet not all viewers shared this enthusiasm, with one critic noting: “Bland to the point of boring.”
Someone else stated: “What was an interesting, suspenseful book with hints of psychological thriller in it became a vapid, rushed, and bland movie that sapped two hours of my life. If you like your movies to stick to the plot of your books, avoid this.”
A third viewer grumbled: “As much as I love the actors and actresses in this movie, nothing about it really had me enjoying the film. The clichés were handed out like appetizers and the plot of the film was all over the place. Wasn’t a fan.”
Despite the film’s less than stellar Rotten Tomatoes rating, the abundance of positive feedback from fans suggests that Rebecca may well be an underappreciated gem.
Rebecca is available to stream now on Netflix.
**For the latest showbiz, TV, movie and streaming news, go to the new **Everything Gossip** website**