If you enjoy reading my Spoiler-Free reviews, please follow my blog @ https://www.msbreviews.com Netflix’s *Rebecca* is based on the 1938 novel of the same name by Daphne du Maurier, but it isn't its first cinematic adaptation, which leads me to a slightly embarrassing admission: I’ve never seen Alfred Hitchcock’s famous version of this story (and I haven’t read the book either, though I maintain that doesn’t matter). It was the only film in Hitchcock’s filmography to receive the Best Picture award, so I suppose I should have watched it. However, Ben Wheatley isn't creating a remake of the original movie; he’s offering another adaptation of the similarly popular novel. The premise intrigued me, and the cast seemed promising, so how did it turn out? If I had to describe *Rebecca* in one word, it would probably be… strange. More on that later. On the positive side, Armie Hammer and Lily James have a compelling chemistry that elevates their characters’ relationship. I usually don't get invested in romantic relationships in films, whether they are straightforward romances or mixed with other genres like comedy or, as in this case, horror/thriller. Still, Lily and Armie manage to convincingly portray the growing attraction between them throughout the first act, which is largely dedicated to developing their central relationship. I appreciate it when filmmakers understand how to control pacing and decide how much time to devote to a character or plotline. Wheatley does an impressive job during the film’s first half by advancing the characters and story at just the right moments. This allows viewers to grasp what the characters are truly feeling and why certain narrative choices occur that alter the course of events. Lily James delivers a remarkable performance, as does Armie Hammer. Kristin Scott Thomas is also excellent, even though her character contributes to some of my issues with the movie. However, the production design really stands out! The beautiful colors and landscapes of the French Riviera create an atmosphere of luxury and harmony during the relationship's passionate beginning. As the story shifts to Manderley, the tone changes gradually to a more depressing and dark environment, accompanied by a creepy score (Clint Mansell) and unsettling nightmares. The costumes also contribute to the mood, but things start to get really odd in the second half. From the moment you enter Manderley, something feels off. Everyone speaks of the deceased wife, Rebecca, as if she were perfect, offering exaggerated praise that seems like a clear attempt to establish the familiar “previous wife was wonderful, new one is awful, let’s make her life miserable” storyline. This is an expected development, complete with overly positive comments from the staff. However, it's the horror atmosphere surrounding the mansion that bothers me. Wheatley creates a dark, mysterious, even supernatural environment around the house, which is initially intriguing but ultimately leads to a hugely disappointing and unsatisfactory conclusion. The genre shifts abruptly from a lighthearted romance to a horror/thriller featuring a “haunted” mansion between the first and second acts. The transition isn't smooth at all. However, the third act brings about an even more drastic change in nearly everything: tone, genre, story, and even characters. I can’t go into specifics, but it’s the most baffling decision made throughout the film. The final act not only deviates from a logical path but also feels incredibly rushed, concluding the movie in a disjointed and convoluted manner. It raises questions about events and characters from earlier acts, treats Mrs. Danvers unfairly, and ends with a misleading final shot that makes you wonder “did I miss something?” when the answer is simply "no, it’s just a weird ending.” Clint Mansell’s score is captivating, but its placement feels completely wrong. It's this feeling of false uncertainty that leaves me frustrated. Why attempt to make a film about something it isn’t? Why try to give *Rebecca* a horror vibe if it doesn’t lead to any meaningful result? I finished the movie with doubts that shouldn’t exist because the question should never have been asked by the story in the first place... Overall, Netflix's version of *Rebecca* struggles to balance so many genres into one film. Ben Wheatley does a good job managing the pacing and allowing enough time to develop the main characters and their relationship. However, the tone shifts are poorly executed, resulting in an utterly absurd, rushed, and convoluted final act that raises logical questions and leaves viewers with a false sense of uncertainty. The well-structured, entertaining first half partially makes up for the oddness that overflows in the second part. Lily James and Armie Hammer deliver strong performances, as does Kristin Scott Thomas, but the production design (supported by terrific costumes) steals the show. Clint Mansell’s score is noticeable, but its placement is exceptionally awkward. Ultimately, the attempt to create a horror atmosphere with the “haunted” mansion storyline is so anticlimactic that I can't wholeheartedly recommend this film… Rating: C

Source on TMDB