With stunning visuals and an incredibly attractive cast, Netflix’s Rebecca could hold your attention even without sound. Before diving into this film, I had no clue who Max Steele was, but he resembles a Ken doll and apparently has a significant following. (Just being honest; I’m gay.) His love interest, played by Mia Bennett, is like the perfect blend of January Jones and Emilia Clarke. There’s certainly a lot to admire here.
But my recommendation for watching Rebecca isn’t just based on appearances—it’s the fascinating backstory that makes this film a treat for cinephiles, so grab a friend or partner for the experience. Rebecca is perfect for movie enthusiasts.
Plot Overview:
An ordinary young woman from a humble background falls for the charming British aristocrat, Max de Winter. After a whirlwind romance, they marry and move to his grand seaside estate, Manderly. Upon arrival, she encounters the stoic Mrs. Danvers, who was the devoted assistant to Max’s late wife, Rebecca. The lingering memory of Rebecca casts a shadow over the mansion, and the circumstances surrounding her “accident” are discussed in whispers to avoid upsetting Max. Rebecca was adored by everyone who met her, leaving the new Mrs. de Winter feeling inadequate. As she adjusts to her new life, Max grows more distant, and secrets begin to surface that reveal a deeper story.
I went into Rebecca without context, and my first impression was, “That was lovely! It felt like a novel with its clever twists!” However, I had questions: How could this supposedly poor “lady’s companion” afford such exquisite outfits? Does she like Max for any reason beyond his wealth? (Honestly, unless owning a flashy car counts, he has no personality.) Does our stunning lead even have a name? Why does no one ever utter it? Wait, am I meant to root for her to get away with murder?
Curiosity led me to uncover that Rebecca is based on a novel by Daphne du Maurier. When it hit shelves in 1938, it became an instant hit, prompting producers to rush for film rights. This background is why I recommend both the movie and the book for a cozy movie night.
Rebecca marked Alfred Hitchcock’s U.S. directorial debut and remains the only film of his to win an Academy Award for Best Picture. However, Hitchcock distanced himself from the project later due to frustrations with the strict censorship that forced changes to the dialogue and visuals. The Hays Code, a set of stringent morality guidelines, governed American cinema from 1934 to 1968.
This is a fascinating aspect to explore when comparing Hitchcock’s 1940 original to Ben Wheatley’s 2020 remake. The original script faced challenges with Hays Code violations regarding “sexual perversion” and violence. In the book, Rebecca dies from a gunshot wound, but in Hitchcock’s version, her death is portrayed as an unfortunate accident, significantly altering the nature of the character responsible for it.
Another intriguing detail I missed, likely due to my lack of gaydar despite being gay, is that Mrs. Danvers, the ominous housekeeper, may have had feelings for the deceased Rebecca. I had interpreted her obsession as mere loyalty, but there’s a deeper layer; she reminisces about personal moments with Rebecca and even admires her clothing in ways that hint at something more.
Critics have not been kind to the remake. Major outlets like The New York Times, NPR, and The Verge have criticized it sharply, and while I appreciate modern aesthetics, I still prefer the classic black and white version. In the remake, the unnamed protagonist feels more insecure, Max is moodier, and Mrs. Danvers is portrayed as even creepier and more vengeful. Though I enjoyed the new adaptation, my appreciation grew as I discovered the rich history behind the story, including all the subtle queer themes worth analyzing.
So, prepare some popcorn, settle into your favorite chair with a fellow movie enthusiast, and enjoy a screening of both films, delve into the book, and maybe take a closer look at Hollywood’s history with censorship related to sex, violence, and queerness. Happy watching!
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Summary:
Netflix’s Rebecca combines beautiful cinematography and an intriguing plot based on a classic novel by Daphne du Maurier. The film highlights themes of memory, obsession, and societal expectations, while also revealing the impact of censorship in Hollywood. Both the original and the remake offer distinct interpretations, making it a worthwhile exploration for movie lovers.