My Cousin Rachel * * * 1/2

Trust me Philip, I have no interest in this mansion, 
your silver and gold, your jewelry,  your six horsepower carriage 
with the spoke wheels, your huge bank balance...

      My Cousin Rachel is adapted from the novel by Daphne Du Maurier. If you're not familiar with the story it might be a good idea to read a synopsis before going to see this.  I think having a blueprint would enhance the viewing experience rather than spoil it.  It might also temper your patience with the main characters and their testing conduct from time to time.

       Although set in the 19th century, this story was written in 1951.  It’s a romantic tragedy.  It’s about a young man's obsession with his newly met cousin Rachel, an older and sophisticated woman from Italy.

      Foolishly playing fast and loose with his considerable estate his conduct becomes that of a lovesick fool, whilst her conduct starts to look more and more conniving and manipulative.

       The period and setting is beautifully recreated with candlelit interiors that look candlelit.  

       There are only five principal characters in the story and all are excellently portrayed. Sam Claflin is very good as Philip, a grieving lonely young man out of his depth, both as the manager of a recently inherited large estate and as a paramour.  But  Rachel Weisz as Rachel (Rachel plays Rachel) is outstanding as she exudes seductive charm whilst constantly causing unrest and suspicion.

      It is ably directed by Roger Mitchell who was well chosen for the task.