Based on the novel by Daphne du Maurier, My Cousin Rachel follows a young Englishman named Philip (Claflin) as he embarks on a hazardous relationship with the mysterious Rachel Ashely (Weisz). Orphaned as a child, Philip is raised by his cousin Ambrose and later comes under the guardianship of his godfather Nick Kendall (Glen) when Ambrose marries Rachel. When Ambrose dies, Philip becomes convinced that it is Rachel’s fault due to a series of letters he received from Ambrose. His ill feeling towards Rachel, however, immediately disappears when he meets her and she comes to live in his house.
Daphne du Maurier’s works Rebecca and The Birds have previously been expertly adapted into film by the the legendary Alfred Hitchcock. As with those works, there is a sense of mystery and intrigue that penetrate My Cousin Rachel, and Roger Mitchell (Notting Hill, Changing Lanes, Le Week-End) has done a good job at taking on the feat of both adapting the screenplay and directing it.
Claflin and Weisz are exquisite as the two leads, with their very first conversation being a particular highlight of the film. Holliday Grainger is excellent as Louise, the daughter of Nick Kendall who evidently has feelings for Philip, while Glen is also suitably cast as Nick. The film avoids the mistake of being burdened by too many characters, a problem associated with both novels and films of periodic romantic dramas.
The design of the world is beautiful and transporting. DOP Mike Eley (whose previous credits include the renowned documentary Touching the Void) deserves particularly high praise for the number of beautiful compositions in the cinematography. Atmospheric with an exciting pace, there is much to like in My Cousin Rachel but it is lacking of a quality that would elevate it from very good to excellent.
Costume dramas have been produced fewer in number recently with the last contribution being Love & Friendship, starring Kate Beckinsale, which served as a satire of the genre. What is interesting about My Cousin Rachel is that while it is set in the past, its commentary on sexual and gender politics feel contemplative and contemporary. In true du Maurier style, the issues it raises are never straightforward and not all questions are answered. My Cousin Rachel makes for a consistently intriguing watch and visual spleandour for fans of the genre, but those who aren’t fans may not feel so compelled by it.