Directed and co-written by Kenneth Branagh (Death on the Nile (2022); Belfast (2021); Murder on the Orient Express (2017); Jack Ryan: Shadow Recruit (2014)) and starring Kenneth Branagh (Oppenheimer (2023); Death on the Nile (2022); Murder on the Orient Express (2017); Wallander (tv series, 2008-2015)), Kelly Reilly (Flight (2012); Yellowstone (tv series (2018-2023); Set Fire to the Stars (2014); Sherlock Holmes: A Game of Shadows (2011)), Tina Fey (Only Murders in the Building (tv series, 2021-2023); Free Guy (2021); Sisters (2015)), Michelle Yeoh (Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon (2000); Tomorrow Never Dies (1997); Everything Everywhere All at Once (2022); Gunpowder Milkshake (2021)) and Jamie Dornan (Fifty Shades of Grey (2015); The Fall (tv series, 2013-2016); Belfast (2021)).
Crime Drama / Whodunnit; 103 mins; 12+
Set in 1947 in post-World War II Venice (the original 1969 novel by Agatha Christie was set in England), Hercule Poirot (Kenneth Branagh) is now retired and living a quiet life. He is approached by his long-standing friend Ariadne Oliver (Tina Fey), an American novelist who convinces him to attend a seance led by the mysterious clairvoyant Mrs Reynolds (Michelle Yeoh).
Rowena Drake (Kelly Reilly) owns the old rambling house but cannot afford its upkeep, letting it slowly disintegrate. The house has a creepy past and it is where her daughter died in mysterious circumstances. Yet she hosts a Hallowe'en party for children there annually.
There are a number of other characters there too, including Dr Leslie Ferrier (Jamie Dornan) who is suffering from PTSD, with his son who appears to be taking more care of his father than his father is of him.
Following the seance, one of those present is murdered and Poirot sets out to unravel the mystery surrounding the crime. However, he is caught up in the strange goings-on and starts to see things that are not there... or is he hallucinating?
A dark film with an atmospheric feel to it; sometimes it is quite difficult to understand exactly what is going on, but this is the joy of watching a screen adaptation of an Agatha Christie novel. While there is no character development per se, what does happen is that different layers of various characters' personalities get peeled away to reveal more of their persona and their back-stories.
Now on general release at Ciné Utopia in Luxembourg
