Bianca Urwin

Being an avid Daphne DuMaurier reader in my younger days, I read the book and had seen the Alfred Hitchcock version countless times. It's challenging to compete with Hitchcock's drama and tension coupled with Lawrence Olivier and Joan Fountaine in the lead roles. Nevertheless this 2020 version was a good attempt and followed the story closely, but something was missing. The acting followed the characters well with Mrs Danvers being the star, but even she wasn't evil enough. Poor Maxim was a bit wishy washy and his wife, the new Mrs DeWinter a stronger role. You could see and feel her emotions as she developed from a shy girl into a confident woman as the film progressed. Mandalay portrayed a stunning interior with fabulous furniture. Great sets, very impressive! I feel the exterior was a let down.... not like the 1940s version, this one lacked the grandeur of a great mansion. The film felt rushed though as if it needed more time for each scene. ........ like an extra 30 to 40 minutes for the film. It lacked the nail biting drama of Hitchcock! ......Something was definitely missing in this version but still worth a watch!!