If you’re looking for a movie to watch over the weekend (and let’s face it, if it gets hot, the air con in cinemas is nice) then I thoroughly recommend My Cousin Rachel.
I’m a huge du Maurier fan – even the BBC’s recent Mumbly Inn was full of brooding atmosphere, while Rebecca has to have one of the most compelling first pages ever written – so My Cousin Rachel was a must. I read the book, years ago, and vaguely remember a troubling, dream-like state of confusion. What I’d forgotten was all the lust and downright misunderstanding, while the role reversal had sailed right over my head.
I also loved the moody rustic setting, the beautiful house most of the action was set in, and the glimpses of Italy looking suitably hot, exotic and untrustworthy.
I don’t want to give anything away, so suffice to say I’m still not sure where the blame lies, and I think that’s the mark of a very successful story. Go and see it, you’ll love it.