Rebecca

Movie Trailer

Release Date
October 21, 2020

Genre
Drama, Mystery, Romance

Cast & Crew

• Lily James as Mrs. de Winter
• Armie Hammer as Maxim de Winter
• Kristin Scott Thomas as Mrs. Danvers
• Keeley Hawes as Beatrice Lacy
• Sam Riley as Jack Favell
• Ann Dowd as Mrs. Van Hopper
• Tom Goodman-Hill as Frank Crawley

Director
Ben Wheatley

Other Movies Director is Known For:

• Free Fire (2016)
• High-Rise (2015)
• Sightseers (2012)

Producer
Eric Fellner
Tim Bevan
Nira Park

Writer
Jane Goldman
Joe Shrapnel
Anna Waterhouse
Based on the novel Rebecca by Daphne du Maurier

Budget
$20 million (estimated)

Production Company
Working Title Films
Netflix

Running Time
123 minutes

Languages
English (Original)

Maturity Rating
PG-13

Content Advisory

• Some violence
• Mature themes
• Mild sexual content

Movie Story
Rebecca is a modern adaptation of Daphne du Maurier’s 1938 gothic novel, which tells the story of a young, unnamed woman (Lily James) who marries the wealthy and enigmatic widower Maxim de Winter (Armie Hammer). After a whirlwind romance in Monte Carlo, the newlyweds return to Maxim’s sprawling estate, Manderley, where the new Mrs. de Winter finds herself living in the shadow of Maxim’s first wife, Rebecca, whose legacy permeates every corner of the house.

The new Mrs. de Winter is inexperienced and overwhelmed by the grandeur of her new life. She struggles to find her place at Manderley, feeling increasingly inadequate compared to the seemingly perfect Rebecca, who is still adored by the staff and society. Her insecurities are exacerbated by the manipulative and menacing housekeeper, Mrs. Danvers (Kristin Scott Thomas), who is fiercely loyal to Rebecca and subtly undermines the new Mrs. de Winter at every turn.

As the new Mrs. de Winter delves deeper into the mystery of Rebecca’s life and death, she uncovers secrets that challenge everything she thought she knew about her husband and his first wife. The tension builds as she begins to suspect that Rebecca’s death was not an accident, but a murder orchestrated by Maxim himself.

The film explores themes of jealousy, identity, and the haunting influence of the past. The new Mrs. de Winter’s journey from naive young bride to a woman determined to uncover the truth is at the heart of the story. The narrative combines romance and suspense with a psychological exploration of the characters’ motivations and fears, culminating in a dramatic and twist-filled conclusion.

Special Effects
Rebecca uses a blend of practical effects and CGI to recreate the opulent world of Manderley and the haunting atmosphere of the story. The film’s visual effects are most notable in the depiction of the mansion itself, with its grand, yet eerie presence that plays a crucial role in the narrative. The cinematography, with its use of shadows and muted color palettes, enhances the gothic tone of the film, creating a sense of foreboding and unease. The special effects support the film’s mood without overwhelming the story, allowing the characters and the tension to take center stage.

Box Office Performance
Rebecca was released directly on Netflix, bypassing a traditional theatrical release. The film received mixed reviews from critics, with praise for the performances, particularly that of Kristin Scott Thomas as Mrs. Danvers, and the film’s visual style. However, some critics felt that the film lacked the tension and depth of the original novel and Alfred Hitchcock’s 1940 adaptation. Despite these critiques, the film reached a wide audience through Netflix, sparking renewed interest in du Maurier’s classic story.

Filming Locations

• Hartland Quay, Devon, England, UK
• Mapperton House, Dorset, England, UK
• Cranborne Manor, Dorset, England, UK
• Hatfield House, Hertfordshire, England, UK

Notable Quotes

• “You can’t fight the past. It’s always there, in your mind, reminding you of what you can’t change.” – Mrs. Danvers
• “I’m asking you to marry me, you little fool.” – Maxim de Winter
• “They’re all still in love with her. And they all still hate me.” – Mrs. de Winter

Behind-the-Scenes
Director Ben Wheatley approached Rebecca with a desire to bring a fresh perspective to the classic story while staying true to the essence of Daphne du Maurier’s novel. The casting of Lily James and Armie Hammer was intended to bring a modern sensibility to the characters, while Kristin Scott Thomas’s portrayal of Mrs. Danvers added a chilling edge to the film. The production design and location choices were crucial in creating the atmospheric setting of Manderley, which plays a central role in the story. The film’s costume design also played a significant part in reflecting the characters’ psychological states and the era in which the story is set.

Awards

• Nominated for Best Costume Design at the 2021 British Academy Film Awards (BAFTA)
• Nominated for Best Production Design at the 2021 British Academy Film Awards (BAFTA)

Final Verdict
Rebecca is a visually stunning adaptation that captures the gothic atmosphere and grandeur of Daphne du Maurier’s novel, with strong performances, particularly from Kristin Scott Thomas as the menacing Mrs. Danvers. However, while the film successfully brings the story to a modern audience, it struggles to fully recapture the tension and psychological depth that made the original novel and Hitchcock’s 1940 adaptation so iconic. Fans of the novel and gothic romance will find much to appreciate in this version, but it may not surpass the shadow of its predecessors.

IMDb Rating
6.0/10