Watch The Scapegoat

The Scapegoat is a gripping drama film based on the novel of the same name by Daphne Du Maurier. Released in 2012, the movie stars Matthew Rhys, Eileen Atkins, and Anton Lesser in lead roles. Directed by Charles Sturridge, the film is set in the 1950s and is a mix of mystery, suspense, and family drama. The story revolves around John Standing (Matthew Rhys), a bored schoolteacher who is on a holiday in France. While at a bar, he meets his doppelganger, Johnny Spence (also played by Rhys), an aristocrat who is running away from his family and duties. The two men immediately strike a friendship and get drunk together.

However, things take an unexpected turn when John wakes up after a night of heavy drinking to find that Johnny has vanished and left all his clothes and documents behind. In a state of confusion, he realizes that he has been mistaken for Johnny and that the latter's family and employees believe him to be the long-lost son of the Spence family.

John decides to impersonate Johnny, and for a while, he enjoys the luxurious life of an aristocrat. He meets Johnny's mother (Eileen Atkins), wife (Jodhi May), and brother (Anton Lesser) and discovers several deep-seated family secrets. He also falls in love with Johnny's wife and has to navigate his emotions carefully.

As he tries to understand the reasons behind Johnny's disappearance, John uncovers a web of intrigue, betrayal, and deceit that puts his own life in danger. He realizes that his presence in the Spence family is threatening to expose several dark secrets and that he must find a way to extricate himself from the situation.

The Scapegoat is a beautifully crafted movie that captures the nuances of character and relationships with excellent performances by the cast. Matthew Rhys is outstanding in his dual role as John and Johnny, and he manages to portray the subtle differences between the two characters with ease. Eileen Atkins is brilliant as Johnny's mother, who is torn between her love for her son and her desire for the truth to be known. Jodhi May is convincing as Johnny's wife, who begins to feel a strong attraction for John, and Anton Lesser portrays the resentful brother with aplomb.

The film is set in the picturesque countryside of France and England and has a vintage charm to it that is mesmerizing. The costumes, props, and sets are all reminiscent of the era in which the story is set, and the attention to detail is impressive.

The Scapegoat is a story of identity, family, and secrets, and it explores these themes with skill and sensitivity. It is a must-watch for anyone who loves a good mystery or a character-driven drama. The film manages to keep the audience guessing until the very end, and it delivers a satisfying conclusion that ties up all loose ends.

Overall, The Scapegoat is an excellent movie that is well worth watching. With its intriguing plot, excellent performances, and stunning visuals, it is a film that will leave a lasting impression on anyone who watches it.

The Scapegoat is a 2012 mystery with a runtime of 1 hour and 47 minutes. It has received mostly positive reviews from critics and viewers, who have given it an IMDb score of 7.2.