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Plot Summary

Read the complete plot summary and ending explained for My Cousin Rachel (2017). From turning points to emotional moments, uncover what really happened and why it matters.


After the young boy Philip is left an orphan, he is taken in by his older cousin Ambrose, who raises him in the stunning surroundings of his expansive estate in Cornwall. As Philip grows, he experiences a unique childhood, devoid of maternal influence, which starkly contrasts societal norms that emphasize the role of motherhood. When Ambrose departs for a sunnier Florence, Philip is left under the guardianship of his godfather Nick Kendall. It is during this time that Philip learns through letters that Ambrose has married their widowed cousin Rachel in Italy. The Kendalls are baffled by Ambrose’s newfound interest in women, but for Philip, the presence of women had always been a foreign concept.

As time goes on, Ambrose’s letters become troubling, filled with hints of mistrust regarding his medical treatment. Driven by concern, Philip ventures to Italy only to learn of Ambrose’s death and Rachel’s sudden departure. Convinced that Rachel is somehow to blame for his cousin’s demise, he confronts her friend Rinaldi, threatening revenge for what he believes is Rachel’s murderous plot.

Upon returning to Cornwall, Philip discovers that Rachel has followed him home. When they meet, he’s struck by her allure during a casual tea in the boudoir, and his suspicion begins to wane. The two spend time together riding, and in a moment of emotional vulnerability, he discards a letter accusing her of wrongdoing into a roaring campfire. However, tension simmers beneath the surface as they clash over Rachel’s desire for independence and her plans to return to Florence. During a tender moment, Rachel reveals a dark truth: Ambrose’s hope faded after she suffered a miscarriage. The situation intensifies when Rachel joins Philip and Nick for Christmas, revealing troubling news regarding her financial irresponsibility.

Despite warnings from Nick about Rachel’s scandalous reputation in Florence, Philip is determined to support her financially when he can, believing it’s the right thing to do. As Philip’s birthday approaches, the atmosphere thickens with anticipation. When Rachel discovers the extent of Philip’s generosity, she expresses heartfelt gratitude. Their relationship takes a romantic turn during a shared outing in nature, culminating in intimacy. However, at a dinner party, Philip boldly announces their engagement, only for Rachel to dismiss his proclamation as insanity. In a private moment, she clarifies that her affection was born from gratitude and insists she won’t be controlled by him.

With emotional tensions escalating, Philip becomes ill, and during his recovery, he grows increasingly paranoid about Rachel’s intentions, even enlisting Louise, Nick’s daughter, in a desperate search for incriminating evidence among Rachel’s belongings. Ultimately, they find nothing to substantiate his fears about her innocence. In a tragic twist, Philip discovers Rachel has met a fatal accident while riding along the cliffside.

Years later, now married to Louise and a father of two, Philip remains haunted by the memories of Rachel, both mentally and physically tormented by her indelible impact on his life.

Timeline

Follow the complete movie timeline of My Cousin Rachel (2017) with every major event in chronological order. Great for understanding complex plots and story progression.


Philip Becomes an Orphan

Young Philip is left without parents and becomes an orphan. He is taken in by his older cousin Ambrose, who provides him with a home and stability during his formative years.

Cornwall

Life Under Ambrose's Care

Philip grows up in Ambrose's expansive estate, experiencing a unique childhood without a maternal figure. This setup is unusual and creates a different worldview for him, starkly contrasting societal norms.

Cornwall

Ambrose's Departure to Florence

Ambrose leaves for Italy, seeking the sun in Florence and leaving Philip under the guardianship of his godfather Nick Kendall. This marks a significant turning point in Philip's life as he grapples with the absence of his cousin.

Florence

Ambrose's Marriage

Philip receives letters revealing that Ambrose has married their widowed cousin Rachel in Italy. This news surprises Philip and raises questions in his mind about Ambrose's previous disposition toward women.

Italy

Concerns Over Ambrose's Health

As time passes, Philip becomes increasingly alarmed by Ambrose's distressing letters hinting at mistrust regarding his medical care. The tone of the letters grows darker, compelling Philip to take action.

Cornwall

Philip's Journey to Italy

Driven by concern, Philip travels to Italy only to find that Ambrose has passed away. This shocking revelation propels him to confront Rachel, whom he suspects of having sinister motives.

Italy

Confrontation with Rinaldi

Upon learning of Ambrose's death, Philip confronts Rachel's friend Rinaldi in a fit of rage. He accuses Rachel of being responsible for his cousin's sudden demise, threatening revenge for his perceived injustice.

Italy

Rachel Arrives in Cornwall

After returning home, Philip discovers that Rachel has come to Cornwall as well. Their first meeting is charged with tension as he is both captivated by her and suspicious of her intentions.

Cornwall

Growing Affection

As they spend time together, Philip begins to soften towards Rachel, especially during a personal tea gathering. His suspicion wanes, indicating a shift in his feelings and a complex emotional connection emerging.

Cornwall

Rachel's Confession

During a more intimate moment, Rachel opens up about her troubled past with Ambrose and reveals a devastating secret regarding her miscarriage. This conversation deepens their bond but also exposes the fragility of their relationship.

Cornwall

Christmas Gathering

Rachel spends Christmas with Philip and Nick, where she shares her financial difficulties, raising alarm about her character. Philip wrestles with his feelings as he becomes more entwined in her life.

Cornwall

Philip's Birthday Anticipation

As Philip’s birthday approaches, the atmosphere grows tense. Rachel seems to appreciate Philip's financial support, leading to moments of affection but also building underlying tensions.

Cornwall

Unfortunate Proposal

In an impulsive declaration at a dinner party, Philip announces their engagement only to be met with Rachel's dismissal. She clarifies that her feelings for him do not align with his romantic expectations, creating further turmoil.

Cornwall

Philip's Illness

Philip falls ill amidst the escalating emotional tensions, leading to paranoia regarding Rachel’s true intentions. His feelings of doubt grow, causing him to desperately search for evidence to justify his fears.

Cornwall

Tragic Discovery

In a heartbreaking twist, Philip learns of Rachel's fatal accident while riding along the cliffside. This news leaves a lasting impact, haunting Philip for years and intertwining their fates forever.

Cornwall

Years Later Reflection

Years after the tragic events, Philip, now married to Louise and a father of two, remains tormented by his memories of Rachel. The emotional scars of their complex relationship linger, shaping his identity.

Characters

Explore all characters from My Cousin Rachel (2017). Get detailed profiles with their roles, arcs, and key relationships explained.


Philip

Philip is a young man whose life is profoundly affected by the women around him, particularly Rachel. Growing up under the care of his cousin Ambrose, he experiences emotional isolation that fosters a complex relationship with love and trust. His journey transitions from innocence to paranoia, culminating in a tragic understanding of his romantic entanglements.

🧑‍🦱 Protagonist 💔 Love Struggler 🤔 Conflicted

Rachel

Rachel is a mysterious and enchanting figure who challenges Philip's understanding of love and loyalty. Initially perceived as a possible antagonist, her character evolves to reveal depths of pain and longing for independence. Her tragic backstory and choices make her a compelling character caught between societal expectations and personal desire.

👩‍🦰 Enigmatic 💃 Independent 😔 Tragic Figure

Ambrose

Ambrose serves as Philip's guardian and pivotal figure in his early life. His character is marked by a transitions from a caring cousin to a distant figure, whose marriage to Rachel raises suspicions and sets the stage for conflict. His tragic fate deeply influences Philip's emotional trajectory.

👨 Guardian 📜 Letter Writer ☀️ Distant

Nick Kendall

Nick Kendall, Philip's godfather, represents the voice of caution amidst Philip's growing infatuation with Rachel. He highlights the societal norms and warnings that define their world, acting as a moral compass that Philip grapples against in his pursuit of love. His protective instincts add layers of complexity to the family dynamic.

👴 Mentor ⚖️ Cautionary Figure 🎩 Traditional

Setting

Learn where and when My Cousin Rachel (2017) takes place. Explore the film’s settings, era, and how they shape the narrative.


Time period

The story unfolds in a period that highlights societal norms surrounding family and gender roles, contrasting the expectations of motherhood with Philip's upbringing. It comments on the individual struggles of a young man navigating love and trust in a world filled with mystery and betrayal.

Location

Cornwall, Florence

Cornwall is a coastal region in the southwest of England, known for its stunning landscapes and rich history. The expansive estate where Philip is raised offers a serene environment that starkly contrasts with the turmoil of his later life. Florence, on the other hand, is a historical city in Italy famous for its art and architecture, representing a world of sophistication that deeply influences Philip's emotions and experiences.

🏖️ Location 🍃 Nature

Themes

Discover the main themes in My Cousin Rachel (2017). Analyze the deeper meanings, emotional layers, and social commentary behind the film.


💔

Love and Betrayal

The theme of love intertwines with betrayal as Philip grapples with his feelings for Rachel. While he is drawn to her allure, he simultaneously wrestles with paranoia and distrust, questioning the authenticity of their relationship. The tragedy of misplaced trust culminates in fatal consequences, illustrating how love can both uplift and destroy.

🌪️

Identity and Independence

Rachel's struggle for independence highlights the conflict between societal expectations for women and personal freedom. As she attempts to navigate her own identity amidst the scrutiny of others, her relationship with Philip becomes a battleground for autonomy versus control, ultimately leading to tragic results.

Memory and Loss

The haunting memories of Rachel linger in Philip's mind long after her departure from his life. This theme explores how loss can shape identity and emotional well-being, with Philip's past continually influencing his present and future. The burden of unresolved feelings reflects on the impact that love and loss have on an individual.

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