Director: Ben Wheatley
Stars: Lily James, Armie Hammer, Kristin Scott Thomas
Runtime: 121 minutes
Wheatley, usually a relentless innovator, goes more reserved in his take on du Maurier’s Gothic romance about the ghosts of rich widower Mr. DeWinter’s last wife. And while it doesn’t reach the heights of Hitchcock’s acclaimed adaptation or Wheatley’s blistering output, it still manages to be a decent time. Particular praise goes to Dame Thomas, pulling off classically icy housekeeper Mrs. Danvers as only she can. And between the gorgeous cinematography and some interesting flips of the script, it’s honestly not a bad idea to visit Manderley again. (88 words/B)
Film, in 99 Words or Less 