Till Death Do Us Part

Europe. Wealth. Intrigue. Book. Movie. Mini-Series.

Perhaps it comes as no surprise that all three authors of my recommendations were/are Englishwomen. A toast to them all.

Stories of extremes. Stores which break through socioeconomic status and entices us into a rare glimpse of opulence and priviledged life most of us will never enjoy. At the same time relating us to the familar bonds of marriage and all its complexities.

First stop. The incomparable Charlotte Brontë gave us the one of the most famous romance novels of all time: the beloved Jane Eyre and her relationship with the brooding master, Mr. Rochester of Thornfield Hall. A bold and timeless classic, it has never been out of print.

Next stop. If you loved Jane, you will undoubtedly love Daphne du Maurier's moody and resonant Rebecca. As characteristic of many great novels, it is available in print or film. Directed by Ben Wheatley Rebecca was recently remade for 2020 release, starring the lovely Lily James and the fetching Armie Hammer.

The Gothic novel Rebecca was written pre-WWII and likewise has since been in print. When first to film in 1940 by esteemed director, Alfred Hitchcock, it won two prestigious Academy Awards.

Amidst the glamour of Monte Carlo, a self-conscious and naīve young woman impetuously marries the older, wealthy socialite, Maxim de Winter. Tensions grow after the happy couple end their rapturously extravagant honeymoon. The newly minted Mrs. de Winter arrives with her aristocratic husband at the sprawling ancestral estate of Manderley, near Cornwall. The unnamed Mrs. de Winter is ever in the shadow of Maxim's first wife's spectral presence, Rebecca.

As the new Mrs. de Winter attempts to navigate her societal role, and elevated status, she clashes with the formidable housekeeper, Mrs. Danvers, played by the memorable Kristin Scott Thomas.

Final stop: Mini-Series. Creepy in the most satisfying way, Netflix', Behind Her Eyes will have you glued to the screen in this six-part Mini-Series as you attempt to guess the delicate intricacies of the tormented relationships therein.

Based on the widely received novel by Sarah Pinborough of the same name, the cast briliantly executes delicious tension and intrigue throughout.

Swoon-worthy Tom Bateman plays Dr. David Ferguson. He and his troubled but beautiful wife Adele - played by the daughter of Bono - Eve Hewson, begin a new chapter of their life moving from Scotland to Great Britain, where he practices as a psychologist.

Fun fact, his number one client is his wife. The story unfolds brilliantly as it walks us through a fragmented timeline of the Ferguson's relationship from their earliest days.

Enter Louise. This single mom played by Simona Brown attempts to keep her professional and personal life separate as she navigates between them. Further, Robert Aramayo doesn't disappoint, playing addict Rob Hoyle. We are, at once, invited into the crime, drama and mystery of the intertwined lives of these four fateful characters.

Reminscant of the 1991 thriller, Dead Again crossed with a touch Fatal Attraction this modern Mini-Series offers a pound of suspense, plenty of intrigue and a pinch of the paranormal.

You'll be glad you invested the time, if you enjoy any neo-noir romantic psychological thrillers.

Grab your favourite beverages, snacks and get comfy because you'll be on dry dock until you finish your binge. Maybe burn sage in every room, sprinkle salt on the entrance of your home, burn a white candle beside some white roses and drink holy water - just to be safe. If you do unintentionally invite some paranormal activity, simply tell the ghost to get lost and then ignore them.

Who says marriage is mundane?