MY COUSIN RACHEL

MY COUSIN RACHEL

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(Beautifully photographed but dull)

Daphne Du Maurier's novel gets a beautifully photographed and acted presentation thanks to Rachel Weisz as Rachel and Sam Claflin as her cousin, Phillip.

The problem is that the story is dull and dark, and the actors speak frequently in whispers, making it difficult for many of us to catch all of the dialogue.

The melodrama is more "mellow" than dramatic, as Rachel's husband dies unexpectedly. His widow arrives at his country estate, where she meets Phillip, the sole heir to the estate. Phillip, and others, are suspicious of Rachel. Is she a gold-digger?

Phillip keeps finding hidden notes, making him suspicious of Rachel's motives. Eventually, he falls madly in love with her, to the point of altering Ambrose's unsigned will, which results in serious consequences.

Where does Rachel sneak off to? Who is that mysterious Italian? Is Rachel playing with Phillip's emotions? Is she the sweet, innocent widow looking only for happiness, and not the family jewels? You'll find out if you can last through the slow narrative and make out all of the whispered conversations.

Rated PG-13, with some sex and profanity.