A psychological thriller starring Matt Damon will soon exit Netflix‘s content library. Based on a 1955 novel, the movie follows a con artist who takes a liking to the life of a wealthy playboy in Italy, leading to deception and murder.
The Talented Mr. Ripley leaves Netflix in March
1999’s The Talented Mr. Ripley will be leaving Netflix on Friday, March 13, 2026. The story is based on Patricia Highsmith’s 1955 novel of the same name. While there have been several adaptations, this is among the most popular ones.
Set in the 1950s, Herbert Greenleaf, a wealthy businessman, hires Tom Ripley (Matt Damon) to retrieve his playboy son Dickie (Jude Law) from Italy. In a turn of events, Tom becomes enamored with Dickie’s luxurious lifestyle and wishes to be a part of it. His obsession results in Dickie’s murder, and he later assumes his identity. To protect his secret, Tom commits further murders.
It also stars Gwyneth Paltrow as Marge Sherwood, Cate Blanchett as Meredith Logue, Philip Seymour Hoffman as Freddie Miles, and James Rebhorn as Herbert Greenleaf, among others.
In a 2025 interview with Criterion, co-producer William Horberg said that while he liked Purple Noon, the novel’s 1960 adaptation, he felt that its ending was a “betrayal of the book.” So, he decided to make a more faithful adaptation. However, it took years for the movie to enter development due to complicated copyright issues.
When the time finally came, Horberg approached Anthony Minghella not only to write the screenplay, but also direct it. However, Paramount, the production studio, was unfamiliar with Minghella’s work and seemed unsure about him. But when his movie The English Patient was nominated for 12 Oscars in 1997, the studio immediately allowed the producer to hire Minghella.
Leonardo DiCaprio was the first choice for the role of Tom Ripley, per The Guardian. When he turned down the offer, Damon took on the role. Interestingly, Blanchett’s Meredith Logue is not a part of the book. But seemingly impressed by her works, Minghella reportedly created the character with her in mind.
Upon its release, the movie received favorable reviews and currently has a 85% Tomatometer score and an 80% Popcornmeter score on Rotten Tomatoes. Furthermore, it made more than $138 million at the box office with a reported budget of $40 million. It also earned five Oscar nominations the following year.
Originally reported by Harsha Panduranga on ComingSoon.
