The widow's mystery

A well-crafted plot, little objectionable material, and a luxurious production make My Cousin Rachel, based on Daphne du Maurier’s novel, a first-rate mystery.

Orphaned at an early age, Philip (Sam Claflin) was raised by his rich, older cousin, Ambrose. Years later, while summering in Italy, Ambrose meets and marries Rachel (Rachel Weisz), a cousin to both. Ambrose dies unexpectedly, but not before penning a letter to Philip in which he describes his new, younger bride as a “tormentor.”

But the setting is 1830s England: Ambrose’s estate falls to Philip, his closest heir, not to his widow. When Philip meets Rachel for the first time, however, his hatred melts into infatuation. He discounts the cautions of his closest friends—such as Louise (Holliday Grainger), who’s in love with him—that Rachel is leading him on to get at his fortune. Philip drafts a document that gives Rachel the entire estate provided she never remarries. If she does, the estate returns to Philip. But he’s confident she will marry someone again—him.

At measured pace, My Cousin Rachel (rated PG-13 for some nonexplicit sexuality and brief strong language) twists, turns, and hits dead ends. Is Rachel a grieving widow or a conniving murderer? Is the homemade tea she brews balm for Philip’s sudden illness or the cause of it?

In scene after scene, Weisz masterfully flips a switch from passionate to cool, keeping the mystery afloat. The supporting cast shines in authentic period costumes, and gorgeous scenes almost distract: A candle’s light glows through a jar full of quills onto dark walnut-paneled walls. Delicate lavender flowers rim a high cliff rising from a gray sea.

The finale seems to settle the matter but teases an alternate explanation. Mystery solved or not, young men shouldn’t miss this warning (not a spoiler): A fool in love and his money are soon parted.