A Haunting in Venice Review

“A Haunting in Venice”is a 4/5 film according to movie critic and red carpet promoter Mark Boardman who attended the movie screening in London earlier this week.

Review: “A Haunting in Venice” – Unveiling the Shadows of Mystery

“A Haunting in Venice,” directed by the versatile Kenneth Branagh, ventures into the realms of Agatha Christie’s enigmatic murder mystery novels. This cinematic offering, fueled by anticipation, seeks to assert its dominance at the box office, setting its sights on a North American opening weekend ranging from $13 million to $15 million. With Kenneth Branagh reprising his role as the discerning Detective Hercule Poirot and an ensemble cast featuring the likes of Jamie Dornan, Tina Fey, and Michelle Yeoh, “A Haunting in Venice” arrives with considerable star power. However, it faces the formidable challenges of going head-to-head with “The Nun,” last week’s box office champion, and navigating the constraints imposed by the ongoing SAG strike.

Intriguingly, “A Haunting in Venice” follows the footsteps of Branagh’s previous Christie adaptation, “Death on the Nile,” which, in 2022, made a modest debut with earnings of $12.8 million. By contrast, the inaugural chapter of the Poirot trilogy, “Murder on the Orient Express,” commenced its journey with a robust $28.6 million opening and went on to achieve considerable success, amassing $100 million domestically and a staggering $350 million globally. Following the lukewarm reception of “Death on the Nile,” the studio exercised fiscal prudence by scaling down the production budget for “A Haunting in Venice” to a more manageable $60 million.

Derived from Christie’s 1969 novel, “Hallowe’en Party,” the film transports audiences to a post-World War II setting, introducing a retired Hercule Poirot. Reluctantly drawn into a murder investigation that unfolds amidst a séance, Poirot finds himself embroiled in a web of intrigue. Initial reviews for “Venice” exhibit a more promising outlook compared to its predecessors, lauding the ensemble cast’s performances and the infusion of gothic horror elements that add depth to the narrative.

The unorthodox absence of traditional promotional activities by the cast, necessitated by the ongoing SAG strike, presents a distinctive challenge for “A Haunting in Venice.” Nevertheless, the film aspires to seize the spotlight with a compelling storyline and strong performances. In parallel, “Dumb Money,” inspired by the GameStop stock frenzy, emerges as a formidable contender, boasting a star-studded cast including Seth Rogen, Paul Dano, Pete Davidson, and America Ferrera.

Critics and audiences alike have voiced their unexpected delight with “Dumb Money,” a film that delves into the intriguing saga of amateur investors on Reddit who dared to challenge hedge fund billionaires during the frenzied GameStop stock saga of 2021. While some may question the necessity of a cinematic rendition of this event, the film’s undeniable entertainment value has garnered praise.

Returning to the world of “A Haunting in Venice,” the film takes creative liberties in adapting Christie’s “Hallowe’en Party,” transporting the narrative to the post-World War II era. Poirot, now in the twilight of his illustrious career, is reluctantly thrust into unraveling a murder mystery that unfurls within the mystical confines of a séance. While the ensemble cast boasts a range of tragic characters, it is Michelle Yeoh’s portrayal that shines as a memorable highlight.

One of the film’s central challenges lies in striking the right tonal balance. It endeavors to seamlessly blend elements of horror and the supernatural while maintaining the essence of an engrossing mystery. However, this fusion at times lacks clarity, leaving viewers with a sense of bewilderment rather than fascination. Some of the horror elements, while intended to evoke spine-tingling chills, occasionally resort to clichés, potentially diminishing the overall impact.

While “A Haunting in Venice” surpasses Branagh’s prior Christie adaptation in terms of its ensemble cast and evocative post-war setting, it nonetheless falls short of fully encapsulating the essence of a compelling murder mystery. The film occasionally leans too heavily into Poirot’s internal struggles, at times bordering on melodrama, which detracts from the core enigma.

In contrast, films like “Knives Out” and its iconic detective, Benoit Blanc, adeptly strike a balance between levity and profundity. This is a delicate feat that “A Haunting in Venice” occasionally struggles to replicate. Ultimately, this cinematic interpretation of Christie’s literary treasure, while intriguing, may not entirely satisfy the expectations of audiences seeking a riveting detective narrative. On a Halloween night at the movies, there may be other cinematic offerings that promise a more enthralling experience.

“A Haunting in Venice” is in theaters everywhere Sept. 15.