CNN —Moving slowly, indeed almost hypnotically, “Ripley” takes a few episodes to kick in, but once it does there’s no turning back. Set in the early 1960s, the format provides the latitude to luxuriate in uncomfortable moments and build palpable tension around situations in Patricia Highsmith’s books, a sensation that becomes more intense once it’s demonstrated how ruthless Scott’s Tom Ripley can be. Living an idyllic life with his girlfriend Marge (Dakota Fanning), Dickie resists the notion but foolishly invites Tom into his orbit. Marge might be suspicious of Tom’s motivations, but he quickly wins over Dickie despite his occasionally strange behavior. If they do, give the credit, primarily, to the talented Messrs. Zaillian and Scott.

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Persons: “ Ripley ”, Ripley ”, Andrew Scott, “, Matt Damon, Steven Zaillian, ” “ Ripley ”, Patricia Highsmith’s, Tom Ripley, Ripley, Dickie Greenleaf, Johnny Flynn, Marge, Dakota Fanning, Dickie, Scott, Maurizio Lombardi, Ravini, ”, “ Ripley, –, it’s, deceptions, Zaillian Organizations: CNN, New Yorker, Netflix Locations: Italy, Ripley, Flitting