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****
Dir: Roger Michell (12A, 99 mins)
Based on Daphne DuMaurier’s novel, this is a dark, sensual tale of revenge with Rachel Weisz excelling as an object of desire/hate. DuMaurier’s novels are flights of Gothic fancy, with The Birds, Don’t Look Now and Rebecca fellow classic texts that have been turned into celluloid. Director Michell has also adapted this tale, keeping its enigmatic unease. Sam Claflin plays Philip, who receives a letter from his guardian which seems to point the finger of blame for his death firmly at the door of his cousin Rachel (Weisz). He plans to confront her and take her to task, only to find himself cast under her spell. Their relationship turns from one of hate to lust and frustration, but is Rachel a master manipulator or an independent feminist who was abused by her husband? Also, what’s in the tea she keeps wanting people to drink? Director Michell keeps the mystery going fairly well throughout, greatly aided by Weisz’s enigmatic performance, and there is strong support from a concerned Iain Glen and Holliday Grainger. Suffocating in tone at times, Michell conjures up DuMaurier’s gothic imagination with aplomb, and Weisz and Claflin spark well together.
Opens June 9