At this point, it would be hard to find someone who hadn’t heard of Patricia Highsmith, or her most famous character, Ripley. He was the subject of five of her novels and has been featured in many adaptations on film and TV. He’s been the inspiration for even more.

He’s also the inspiration for a new exploration. A Talent for Murder is a fictional story, but it’s inspired by Highsmith, her work, and her most infamous character.

The film is set in 1995. Highsmith (Helen Mirren) is nearing the end of her career and she’s living in Switzerland. A young publisher, Edward Ridgeway (Alden Ehrenreich), is sent to make contact with her. He has a contract from his New York publishing company for her to write a sixth Ripley novel. His selling point is his deep knowledge and love of the character, and the idea it would cement her legacy.

Along the way, he meets a young woman, Clementine Balfour (Olivia Cooke), who is heading to visit her aunt. She and Edward have a spark. And they continue to connect during his time in the city. She also serves as inspiration.

Highsmith isn’t what Edward expects. There’s also rumors about what might have happened to the last young publisher who tried to get Highsmith to write a new work. But, together, Highsmith and Edward begin to dream and storyboard a new adventure that blurs the lines of fiction and reality.

This is an original film that’s based on a unique premise. Highsmith was a real person. And her Ripley books were real. But there was only ever five. This supposed work on a potential sixth book is a work of fiction meant to spin a yarn that feels very much like one she would have written. It’s a premise and a script that works well from Joanna Murray-Smith.

I liked the tone and the premise here. I liked the story within a story and the way both Ehrenreich and Cooke are able to play different versions of themselves. There is a reason that the Ripley stories have endured. They are of a style and storytelling that continues to appeal to readers and viewers. This film captures that and delivers an original work in that style that is a fascinating exploration, at times, of the creative process.

Is it a perfect film? No. There are some places where it falls off and, ultimately, the ending felt a little rushed and I wasn’t totally sure what to make of it all. But I enjoyed Mirren in the role and some of the ways she is able to bring this character to life. There’s some nice shots and tension built by director Anton Corbijn. He has not directed a feature in some time, but he applies a fun visual style to this mystery.

If you’re looking for an homage to Highsmith and her work that is a fun mystery on its own, this fits the bill. The performances are solid, and the story is engaging enough to hold your attention.

A Talent for Murder is now playing in limited release nationwide.

Matthew Fox is a graduate of the Radio, Television and Film program at Biola University, and a giant nerd. He spends his free time watching movies, TV, and obsessing about football. He is a member of the FSWA. You can find him @knighthawk7734 on Twitter and as co-host of the Fantasy Football Roundtable Podcast.