Rachel (Rachel Weisz) accepts the family necklace from Philip (Sam Claflin).
MY COUSIN RACHEL
Film Review by Marlene Ardoin
In the Victorian era of “My Cousin Rachel,” if a woman’s husband dies of a brain tumor, why do her husband’s relatives assume that she must be some kind of black widow?
This theory does not make any sense, because women could not inherit property then. If a husband dies, and a woman has no male children, she is out of business.
In the film, “My Cousin Rachel,” Rachel (Rachel Weisz) is in a destitute situation. So, she throws herself at the mercy of her husband’s male heir, Philip (Sam Claflin).
Philip is just 24 years old when he meets Rachel, who is an older, but very accomplished woman.
Philip spurns Louise (Holliday Grainger), the daughter of his godfather, Nick Kendall (Iain Glen), who is managing his estate, which Philip is due to inherit at age 25.
Rachel is walking into a very unfriendly and deadly environment. She has to please Philip, so he will support her, but she immediately sees that Louise has her sights on him as a husband. Her every move is analyzed mercilessly.
Does Rachel have no other relatives? No one makes inquiries about her family.
She does have a male confidant, Rainaldi, who helps her manage the closing of her deceased husband’s villa. Rainaldi is the one who supplies the death certificate and verifies that Philip is still the heir, with no changes to his uncle’s will.
Philip is too young to intuit Rachel’s situation. Rather, he sees her approach as a come on to him, and he spurns Louise, because Louise is too frank with him, which wounds his ego.
I also wonder why Philip’s estate is in such a shambles just before Rachel arrives. The dogs have their run of the mansion and the roof leaks.
The story is by Daphne du Maurier, who’s other novels have also been the subjects of American films, such as “Rebecca” and “The Birds.” Another version of “My Cousin Rachel” was made in 1952, starring Richard Burton and Olivia de Havilland.
Most Hollywood films feature happy endings, but not du Maurier’s stories. She explores interesting character studies, which ring true.
The filming of the 2017 version of “My Cousin Rachel” is exquisite. Very strong, beautiful and vivid imagery.
Rachel (Rachel Weisz) ponders her situation.
Bio of novelist, Daphne du Maurier:
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Daphne_du_Maurier
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6/24/2017 # My Cousin Rachel