Netflix's New Andrew Scott Miniseries is a Must-Watch for Saltburn Fans

Summary

• This series revolves around a story and themes that almost mirror Saltburn.
• Based on a novel, this series is not the first adaptation of the source material.
• Filmed in black and white, this series takes viewers back in time.

Psychologically thrilling, Saltburn was easily one of the most talked about films of 2023. With its shocking ending and a few moments in between, Saltburn taught us that not everyone is who they seem. Audiences were captivated by the moving performances of Barry Keogan and Jacob Elordi as Keogan's character, Oliver, is drawn into the glorious world surrounding the Saltburn estate and decides to do whatever it takes to stay there with Felix played by Elordi.

Since then, fans have stopped talking about Saltburn, and Murder on the Dance Floor seems to have finally stopped playing on repeat in our heads, leaving us looking for the next closest thing to the movie.

The new miniseries parallels Saltburn in many ways

Based on the 1955 novel The Talented Mr. Ripley by Patricia Highsmith, the series is filled to the brim with forbidden desires, luxurious and enviable lifestyles, and a masterfully woven web of lies. Andrew Scott stars as Ripley, a drifter hired by a wealthy man to find and return his son, Dickie. But after finding Dickie and catching a glimpse of his lavish and laid-back lifestyle, Ripley's goals change, led by his desire to have what Dickie has, no matter what he has to do to get it.

Sound familiar? Of course it does.

At the heart of both Ripley and Saltburn is a con artist who has sunk his claws into high society and is willing to go to extreme lengths to keep his place and his cover. The two main differences are that Ripley is shot entirely in black and white (which only adds to its eerie atmosphere) and, to the relief of many, contains no grave or bathtub scenes.

Ripley and Oliver are very much alike

There's no denying the similarities between Saltburn and Ripley's protagonists. We have two very average men, both striving for greatness, but not sure how to get it, until an opportunity presents itself, seemingly unexpectedly, and they find a way to cement themselves in the situation.

It's hard not to look at the beginning of Ripley and think of Oliver in his early days at Saltburn, and what seemed to be a look of pure awe on his face as he took in the amazing life that Felix and his family were living.

Dakota Fanning, who plays Dickie's girlfriend in Ripley, is quoted in the trailer as saying:

"He came to Italy, moved into Dickie's house. He just wouldn't leave. Tom is one of those people who takes advantage of people."

When you have that much desire for a life that is not your own, there are bound to be consequences. Like Saltburn, Ripley promises an intriguing story that spirals away from its origins and down a path of lies and murder, led by a character as calculated as she is charming.

Let's not forget that both the movie and the series have been praised by critics for their suspenseful storytelling and captivating cinematic style.

Will Tom Ripley go as far as Oliver to secure the life he has only dreamed of? You'll have to watch the show to find out. All we can say is that if you enjoyed Saltburn, you'll be glued to the screen when you watch Ripley.

Ripley is available to stream on Netflix.