A TALENT FOR MURDER (2026)

October 21, 2026

Greetings again from the darkness. She wasn’t yet 30 years old when her first novel, “Strangers on a Train” was published. A year later, Alfred Hitchcock directed the film version, an opportunity many writers would kill for. Patricia Highsmith then crafted a career writing about murder, or the threat of it. Her most famous character, Tom Ripley, was central to five of her novels, or what’s been called “The Ripliad”. On screen, the Ripley role has been played by Alain Delon, Dennis Hopper, Matt Damon, John Malkovich, Barry Pepper, and Adam Scott (in the recent terrific mini-series, “Ripley”).

The Ripley character is (kinda sorta) back again in this film from director Anton Corbijn, adapted by Joanna Murray-Smith from her own stage play “Switzerland”. Edward Ridgeway (Alden Ehrenreich, SOLO: A STAR WARS STORY, 2018) is sent by the unnamed publisher to persuade renowned writer Patricia Highsmith (Oscar winner Helen Mirren) to write one more Ripley novel. Upon his arrival at her remote Tegna, Switzerland home, young and ambitious Edward finds the writer to be as ornery and difficult as her reputation led him to expect. In fact, his predecessor, sent on the same mission, has disappeared without a trace, leaving Edward a bit leery … although his career hinges on his success in getting her to sign the contract.

The game of cat-and-mouse actually begins on Edward’s train ride when he meets Clementine Harriet Balfour (Olivia Cooke, SOUND OF METAL, 2019). The flirtatious encounter finds both on missions of persuasion. Edward needs a stubborn writer’s commitment, and Clementine would like her wealthy Aunt Peggy (Juliet Stevnson, BEND IT LIKE BECKHAM, 2002) to release the trust fund so she might enjoy life. A literary game between Edward and Highsmith not only brings Clementine back into the story, but also finds Edward playing a fictionalized version of the already fictional Ripley. It’s quite fun to watch him take on the dual role and see how things proceed with Clementine. Simultaneously, the changes to Edward’s demeanor become palpable.

Dame Helen Mirren tackles the role of the author with gusto. It’s not just the cigarettes and alcohol, but also the mind games and psychological tricks she employs on Edward that keep us on our toes. The result of their ‘new’ Ripley story fails to impress, but the path to that point is quite something to watch as it unfolds. What we see is a story within the story or a movie within the movie, and all three leads are excellent. A special nod to Brid Brennan (BROOKLYN, 2015) who has a brief turn as Kathryn Grierson – yet another character whose psychological powers add some intrigue here.

It should be noted that the work on Highsmith’s house is especially effective, as the weapons collection (guns and knives) and the artwork speak to the real-life home of the writer … and that modernist portrait of Highsmith in red plays like another character. Cinematographer Robbie Ryan does fine work inside the confines of the house as Highsmith and Edward go at each other. As for director Anton Corbijn, the best I can tell, this is his first narrative feature since LIFE (2014) and A MOST WANTED MAN (2014). It’s nice to have him back, as the suspense and psychological aspects play to his strengths. Patricia Highsmith passed away in 1995, which is the year this film is set, and it should be quite clear to all viewers that this is a fictional story about a real person.

Opening in theaters October 23, 2026

WATCH THE TRAILER

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Posted by David Ferguson

THE LETTERS (2015)

December 3, 2015

the letters Greetings again from the darkness. All we need is one more miracle. Having been beatified with one “confirmed” miracle, it’s that missing second one that stands between Mother Teresa and Sainthood. At times the film from director William Riead plays like a highlight reel for Mother Teresa’s induction into the Catholic Hall of Fame, as the dual emphasis is on all the good things she did for the poor, as well as the surprising sense of isolation and abandonment she felt most of her life.

The film is structured in flashback form as a priest played by Rutger Hauer is charged with researching the case for canonizing the late Mother Teresa. He crosses paths with Father Celeste van Exem (Max von Sydow), who shares the saved correspondence from Mother Teresa that provides the title of the movie. These very personal letters spanned 50 years and act much as a journal of her work and emotions.

Most of the movie takes us through the progression of Mother Teresa’s life. A slump-shouldered Juliet Stevenson portrays the nun as a woman on a mission from God … despite the obstacles from her detractors: jealous and disapproving nuns, many in the Catholic Church, and even some of the local citizens whom she desired to help. Her commitment to assist “the poorest of the poor” placed her in some tough situations and undesirable environments. She seemed to take on the suffering of those she was serving.

Given her proclamation that “It’s God’s will, not mine”, the Vatican approved her plan to go outside the Loreto Order to serve the poor. Two years later, her application for a new order was approved, resulting in the congregation of The Missionaries of Charity. Her mission then had structure and backing, and so began to make real progress.

Capturing the essence of this woman is what the film does best. We absolutely understand how she became “an icon of compassion for all religions” by giving “voice to the poor”. Perhaps, given the times we are in, this ability to serve multiple religions could itself by considered a miracle. As with any person who serves others, Mother Teresa had (and has) her detractors and critics. She (like her Catholic Church) opposed contraception … despite the needs within the community she served. Others accused her of mismanaging the millions in contributions, and spending too much effort recruiting new Catholics. Again, those accusations are not the purpose of the film, which instead profiles a woman who helped so many who otherwise would have been ignored in their misery.

As a Nobel Peace Prize winner in 1979, her commitment to the cause resulted in her most public recognition and brought her full circle from an early line of dialogue: “I may not be wanted here, but I am needed.” Regardless of the Catholic rule book requirements, it’s difficult to imagine a modern day person more worthy of being considered a Saint.

watch the trailer:

 

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Posted by David Ferguson