'Rebecca' Movie Review

Introduction

Rebecca, it's all about Rebecca. And that must never be forgotten. Until now.

Key themes

Maxim meets and spends time with a Lady companion at a hotel in Monte Carlo.

The couple get married on a whim and Mrs De Winter moves into the Manderly house.

Mrs De Winter is aware of the late Mrs De Winter, Rebecca; however, she does not know how she died or much about her existence.

Mrs Danvers, head of staff, is ordered to assist Mrs De Winter in operating and moving into the house. On meeting it is apparent that Mrs Danvers is not fond of Mrs De Winter.

Mrs De Winter begins to notice her husband, Maxim acting strange and showing characteristics she has not seen before.

Meanwhile experiencing discomfort from her husband’s strange behaviour, Mrs De Winter, is being tested by Mrs Danvers, who is clearly not a fan of hers.

Mrs De Winter, still notices strange behaviours and senses that her lack of knowledge is deeper than originally thought.

Mrs Danvers continues to indirectly mock Mrs De Winter.

Mrs De Winter, notices strange happenings at the house and has a strange encounter with a man who is supposedly late Rebecca’s cousin. He warns current Mrs De Winter about Maxim.

On a walk, Mrs De Winter chases the dog despite Maxim resisting her to. Mrs De Winter, encounters a weird stranger who provides insight into how Rebecca, died.

Mrs De Winter gains a new confidence and aims to take charge as Lady of the house. She hosts the Manderly Ball which was always hosted by Rebecca.

Mrs De Winter creates an alliance with Mrs Danvers and they work together to plan the Manderly Ball.

When planning an outfit, Mrs Danvers suggests Mrs De Winter wear an outfit from a painting. When Mrs De Winter, walks out into the ball to surprise her guests with her custom dress, the guests are left dismayed and Maxim commands Mrs De Winter to take the dress off.

Mrs Danvers had fooled Mrs De Winter in order to embarrass her. The dress was worn by the late Rebecca. Mrs Danvers tells Mrs De Winter to leave; that no one wants her at the house. Admittedly, Maxim claims he regrets bringing her.

Everyone gathers at the harbour. Rebecca’s boat was found as well as her body. Maxim distraught finally tells Mrs De Winter the truth. Maxim hated the beloved Rebecca and killed her, unlike the claims that she died from drowning.

Mrs De Winter promises to help Maxim keep his secret.

The identification of the late Mrs De Winter’s body results in a trial. Mrs De Winter upholds her promise and helps Maxim.

Evidence and betrayals lead to the prosecution suspecting Maxim of murder. Mrs De Winter, keeping her promise, seeks a Doctor in London to retrieve evidence in order to help Maxim.

The doctor’s report shows that Rebecca was not pregnant but had cancer. Mrs De Winter speaks up and claims that Rebecca killed herself to avoid a life of suffering with the disease.

Maxim is set free and the case is closed – Rebecca killed herself.

Mrs Danver’s distraught from the end of trial, knowing Maxim did actually kill Rebecca, lights Manderly to flames and drowns herself to death.

Maxim and Mrs De Winter travel, finding a new home.

Key questions

• Why did Maxim keep a painting of Rebecca if he hated her?
• Was Mrs Danvers controlling Maxim before Mrs De Winter arrived?
• Who really is Mrs Danvers and what was her relationship with Rebecca?
• What were the strange things that happened in the Manderly house?
• Who was the strange man that told Mrs De winter about Rebecca but then deny he told her?

Conclusion

The film is classed as a mystery/romance. The romance was definitely factored heavily into the film. However, the mystery is perhaps different than suspected for me. Everyone wants to know who the great Rebecca is, we all want to know how she died. But discovering the answers to this mystery was not thrilling whatsoever. Although it highlighted a bigger mystery for me - who is Mrs Danvers and what was her relationship with Rebecca? Mrs Danvers killed herself and and lit the Manderly into flames all for Rebecca - why? Perhaps they were in a sexual relationship. Their relationship had to be more intimate than a friendship for her to do this. What was the purpose of the Manderly, it sounded grand and important but it just remained a building - why choose this setting? If Maxim was rich, why didn't he pay someone to cover his tracks? Also I'm curious to know what the look Mrs De Winter at the end of the film meant - will she truly replace Rebecca by becoming her? Had something dark began to grow? These are the greater mysteries.

The film was interesting and took the audience of a confusing journey and we're left with the question of whether we love or hate Rebecca. Was she good or bad? Guilty or innocent? Maxim character also needs more of a story. Why did he have a temper? Why did he allow Rebecca's death to take control of his life? Is there more to the story?

Everything seems to be about Rebecca, but I feel it is far, far more deeper than this woman and her unforgivable death.

Cast

Lily James - Mrs De Winter

Armie Hammer - Maxim De Winter

Kristin Scott Thomas - Mrs Danvers