MY COUSIN RACHEL is a moody, well-acted gothic grounded by a terrific performance by Rachel Weisz in the title role. The actress keeps you guessing about her character’s intentions from beginning to end – and possibly afterwards. Set in the 19th century, MY COUSIN RACHEL is the story of Philip Ashley (Sam Claflin), a man who was orphaned at an early age, and raised by his older cousin Ambrose. When Ambrose sets off on a trip to Italy, he falls in love with and marries Rachel, a distant cousin. After writing letters to Philip with cryptic references to Rachel trying to do him harm, Ambrose dies. Soon Rachel (Rachel Weisz) turns up in England. At first Philip intends not only to question her about the suspicious circumstances of his beloved cousin’s death, but to exact some sort of revenge against her. But Philip soon finds himself smitten by Rachel’s beauty, sophistication, kindness, and alluring ways, which is heartbreaking for his friend Louise (Holliday Grainger) who’d believed she would one day be his wife. As the audience learns more about Rachel, we’re left to wonder whether she did have a hand in Ambrose’s demise and, even more dire, what is she doing with Philip?
MY COUSIN RACHEL is from a novel by Daphne DuMaurier author of Jamaica Inn, Rebecca, and The Birds, all filmed by Alfred Hitchcock, but the Hitchcock film MY COUSIN RACHEL most recalls is SUSPICION, with its story that rests on the premise of “did they or didn’t they”. At various points throughout the film, we’re equally convinced that Rachel is a manipulative, homicidal gold-digger or an innocent woman coping with widowhood in her own way. Rachel’s actions are often a mystery. She appears to return Philip’s affections, yet turns down his marriage proposal. She nurses him when he becomes deathly ill, but rejects him again once he’s recovered. We’re never sure if she’s dealing with her emotions or is just devious. This works well thanks to the outstanding performance by Rachel Weisz. Convincing an audience that she’s evil in one scene, then second-guessing her in the next is a tough trick, and a less subtle performance would have been all wrong. Just when you think you have Rachel’s motives figured out, the story throws a curve-ball and you think you may have misinterpreted her… and that’s the way the film wants you to think.
Sam Claflin looks great and simmers, which is good enough in a less demanding role. His Philip is naïve and prone to rash decisions which lack common sense, ignoring financial advice from his solicitor (Iain Glen), and acting childish when he doesn’t get his way. The film may seem slow to those seeking conventional summer entertainment, but if you’re in the mood for for ripe period melodrama, you could do a lot worse than MY COUSIN RACHEL.
4 of 5 Stars
MY COUSIN RACHEL Opens in St. Louis June 9th at The Hi-Pointe Theater
