Place: florence italy

My Cousin Rachel (2017)

My Cousin Rachel (2017)

My Cousin Rachel (2017) – A Captivating Tale of Mystery and Suspense

“My Cousin Rachel” is a gripping period drama film released in 2017, based on the novel of the same name by Daphne du Maurier. The film weaves a tale of mystery, romance, and suspense, keeping the audience on the edge of their seats until the very end.

Genre: Drama, Mystery, Romance

The movie falls into the genres of drama, mystery, and romance, creating a captivating blend of emotions and intrigue.

Synopsis

The story is set in 19th-century England and revolves around the enigmatic Rachel Ashley (Rachel Weisz) and her young cousin, Philip (Sam Claflin). Philip is raised by his older cousin Ambrose, who travels abroad to Italy for health reasons and falls in love with Rachel while there. However, disturbing letters from Ambrose soon reach Philip, hinting at his cousin’s manipulation and claiming that Rachel is trying to kill him.

Alarmed and suspicious, Philip rushes to Italy only to find that Ambrose has already died under mysterious circumstances. Inheriting Ambrose’s estate, Philip returns to England and is resolved to confront Rachel, whom he believes to be responsible for his cousin’s death.

But as Philip meets Rachel, he becomes bewitched by her charm and beauty. His initial suspicions slowly give way to passionate feelings, blurring the line between love and suspicion. As the story unfolds, the audience is left to question Rachel’s true intentions, and the plot takes unexpected twists and turns.

Themes Explored

The film delves into themes of love, trust, obsession, and the complexities of human nature. It raises questions about perception, manipulation, and the fine line between love and betrayal.

Rachel Weisz’s Captivating Performance

Rachel Weisz delivers a captivating performance as Rachel Ashley, adding layers of complexity to the character. She effortlessly portrays the enigmatic and mysterious nature of Rachel, leaving the audience guessing about her true intentions.

The Atmospheric Setting

The film’s period setting is beautifully captured, immersing the audience in the lush landscapes of Cornwall and the grandeur of the estate. The attention to detail in costumes and production design adds to the film’s allure.

Director’s Vision

Director Roger Michell masterfully brings Daphne du Maurier’s suspenseful tale to life on the big screen. He skillfully balances the elements of romance and mystery, creating an atmospheric and engrossing cinematic experience.

My Cousin Rachel…

“My Cousin Rachel” is a compelling period drama that skillfully blends mystery, romance, and suspense. The film keeps the audience engrossed with its intriguing plot, nuanced performances, and atmospheric setting. As the story unfolds, viewers are kept guessing about the true nature of Rachel Ashley, making it an enthralling watch until the final credits roll. Whether you are a fan of mystery, romance, or period dramas, “My Cousin Rachel” is sure to leave a lasting impression.

Duration: 106 min.

The Little Hours (2017)

The Little Hours (2017)

The Little Hours (2017) – A Hilarious and Irreverent Medieval Comedy

“The Little Hours” is a 2017 comedy film written and directed by Jeff Baena. The movie is loosely based on Giovanni Boccaccio’s “The Decameron” and takes place in medieval Italy. The film boasts a talented ensemble cast and features a witty and irreverent humor that sets it apart from typical period comedies.

Genre: Comedy

“The Little Hours” falls under the genre of comedy, but it’s worth noting that its humor is dark, satirical, and not suitable for all audiences due to its adult content and language.

Synopsis

The story is set in a convent in medieval Italy, where three young nuns, Alessandra (Alison Brie), Fernanda (Aubrey Plaza), and Ginevra (Kate Micucci), are bored and frustrated with their monotonous lives. Their lives take an unexpected turn when a young servant named Massetto (Dave Franco) seeks refuge at the convent after fleeing from his abusive master.

Massetto pretends to be a deaf-mute to avoid detection, but his presence soon causes a stir among the nuns, who find him intriguing and attractive. As the nuns secretly vie for Massetto’s attention, their behavior becomes increasingly scandalous, leading to a series of hilarious and chaotic situations.

The arrival of a visiting bishop (Fred Armisen) further complicates matters as he becomes entangled in the nuns’ escapades, resulting in even more absurd and humorous situations.

Themes Explored

“The Little Hours” explores themes of lust, desire, hypocrisy, and the clash between earthly desires and religious virtue. The film humorously satirizes the strict moral codes of the medieval church and its incongruity with the human desires and flaws of the characters.

Irreverent Humor

The film’s humor is bold, irreverent, and at times, shockingly explicit. It doesn’t shy away from poking fun at religious institutions, and the characters’ wild behavior is in stark contrast to their supposed piety.

Talented Ensemble Cast

The film features an impressive ensemble cast, including Alison Brie, Aubrey Plaza, Kate Micucci, and Dave Franco, who deliver standout performances. Their comedic timing and chemistry bring life to the quirky characters and add to the film’s absurdity.

Unique Setting

The medieval Italian setting adds an interesting twist to the traditional convent story. The film uses the historical context as a backdrop for its raucous and outlandish humor.

The Little Hours

“The Little Hours” is a laugh-out-loud comedy that boldly subverts the conventions of period films and religious tales. With its irreverent humor, talented cast, and unique medieval setting, the film provides a refreshing and entertaining take on a classic premise. However, due to its adult content and humor, “The Little Hours” may not be everyone’s cup of tea. If you enjoy dark, satirical comedy with a historical twist, this film is sure to leave you laughing and entertained.

Duration: 90 min.