Saltburn fans should unearth this cult classic while it's still on Netflix

Virgin Radio

18 Jan 2024, 16:00

Fans across the internet and beyond have made Saltburn a smash hit success, but those desperate for more of the same are now being urged to dip into a nineties lost classic that stars the likes of Matt Damon and Jude Law.

If you're still hung up on the spellbinding allure of Saltburn but your binge-watching buddy needs a break from the madness (for the hundredth time), fret not! There's another mind-bending thriller waiting in the wings to whisk you away on a rollercoaster of deception, obsession, and all-around cinematic brilliance.

Believe it or not, there's a film that not only matches Emerald Fennell's quirky masterpiece, which is drawing a lot of awards buzz, in terms of the main character's fixation on wealth, social status, and a male co-star but sets the bar even higher.

And no, it's not an obscure indie film but a cult classic with an all-star cast.

The Talented Mr. Ripley, a tense and twisted 1999 thriller featuring Matt Damon, Jude Law, Gwyneth Paltrow, Philip Seymour Hoffman, and Cate Blanchett, might just be the answer to your post-Saltburn cravings.

Based on Patricia Highsmith's 1955 novel of the same name, the movie spins a tale of con artist Tom Ripley (Damon) as he embarks on a globetrotting journey to persuade the 'rich and spoiled playboy' Dickie Greenleaf (Law) to return home.

The parallels with Saltburn are hard to miss. Both films revolve around prestigious universities – Princeton in The Talented Mr. Ripley and the fictional Welton College in Saltburn.

In a quest for deception, Ripley poses as a Princeton alumnus to fulfil a wealthy father's desire to bring his son back home.

Much like Farleigh's dynamic with Oliver Quick and Felix Catton, Ripley navigates the intricate world of high society, embedding himself into Greenleaf's social circle.

Yet, a skeptical character, Freddie Miles (Seymour Hoffman), senses something amiss, echoing the watchful eye of Saltburn's Farleigh.

Skipping over the darker highlights and plot twists, it's safe to say Ripley, much like Oliver Quick, becomes utterly consumed by his obsession.

The film explores themes of identity, deception, and the lengths one will go to maintain a facade. As Ripley famously declares, he'd rather be a 'fake somebody than a real nobody.'

It's a morally ambiguous masterpiece that keeps you as reeled in by the lead characters as you are repulsed.

At the time of The Talented Mr. Ripley wasn't just a hit; it was a sensation.

Garnering five Academy Award nominations, seven BAFTA nominations, and another five at the Golden Globes, it cemented its status as a cinematic triumph.

So, if Saltburn has left you yearning for more, dive into the captivating world of The Talented Mr. Ripley. With a five-star cast, compelling narrative, and a twist that will keep you on the edge of your seat, it's the perfect addition to your Netflix watchlist.

As fans on X (formerly Twitter) attest, if you can't shake Barry Keoghan's conniving ways from your mind, this cult classic is your next thrilling destination.

One declared: "The Talented Mr. Ripley is the closest you’ll get to Saltburn."

Another chimed in: "The Talented Mr. Ripley! Very creepy and cringy."

And a third added: "There’s a new The Talented Mr. Ripley series out this year!"

So, why resist the temptation? Dive into the enigmatic world of The Talented Mr. Ripley – your ticket to a spine-chilling, binge-worthy adventure awaits on Netflix.