Review: Kenneth Branagh gives mystery fans best Hercule Poirot film yet

Detective Hercule Poirot’s mustache fits Kenneth Branagh to a “T” as does the literary legend’s prickly disposition.

The cinematic whodunit has been enjoying a renaissance of sorts courtesy of the “Knives Out” films and Poirot’s return to the screen in “Murder on the Orient Express” and “Death on the Nile.” The detective’s return is welcome.

Murder mysteries — when done well — have a certain appeal in that gray matter gets exercised. “A Haunting in Venice” is no different. But it is distinctive in one area.

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While Branagh’s predecessors in this series (he directed them all) possessed a playful sense of humor, “Haunting” takes on a more somber, serious tone. Murder is always a serious matter, but in the first two films of the series, Branagh’s kooky cast of characters provided some fun.

But here the title is literal and metaphorical. The film does deal with supposed specters in the romantic Italian town, but it also addresses the ghosts that exist behind Poirot’s eyes as he lives in retirement in Italy.

He does not want to be bothered to solve any crimes and hires a bodyguard to ensure that no one gets close enough to him to tempt him to do so.

However, old friend and author Ariadne Oliver (Tina Fey) arrives wanting him to help her debunk the supernatural ravings of the medium Mrs. Reynolds (a delightful performance from Oscar-winner Michelle Yeoh).

Reynolds has a séance planned in the home of Rowena Drake (Kelly Reilly), a woman who lost her daughter tragically and wants to communicate with her to learn what happened. Poirot’s initial interest as an atheist is to prove Reynolds a fraud, but it becomes increasingly clear that foul play was at work in the death of Rowena’s daughter. Poirot’s best laid plans for retirement therefore come to an abrupt halt.

Given Branagh’s portrayal and his sure direction in guiding the performances and heightening the suspense, we’re better for it.

The characters aren’t kooky, they’re creepy and dangerous and the house full of them, including a boy played with memorable chilliness by Jude Hill, all come across as being perfectly capable of committing murder. Yes, that makes Poirot’s task that much more difficult.

That’s the fun, however, isn’t it?

Branagh is generous with the cast who all get moments to shine, but he and screenwriter Michael Green, who adapts from the Christie novel “Hallowe’en Party,” ensure that Poirot isn’t just the bandleader here. He’s a full-fledged player.

The character’s arrogance would lead anyone to believe that Poirot is fully in control of his temperament and emotions. Branagh’s subtle performance shows more going on in his life and behind those eyes. He’s as haunted as his guests — only in a different way.

“A Haunting in Venice” proves to be a well-executed piece of entertainment.

George M. Thomas dabbles in movies and television for the Beacon Journal. Reach him at gthomas@thebeaconjournal.com. Follow him on Twitter @ByGeorgeThomas

Review

Movie: “A Haunting in Paris”

Cast: Kenneth Branagh, Michelle Yeoh, Tina Fey, Jamie Dornan

Directed by: Kenneth Branagh

Running time: 1 hour 43 minutes

Rated: PG-13 (for some strong violence, disturbing images and thematic elements)

Grade: B

This article originally appeared on Akron Beacon Journal: Review: Kenneth Branagh delivers with ‘A Haunting in Venice’