Hercules Poirot is back. Kenneth Branagh takes the proverbial stage and directs himself once more as the distinguished detective - the difference is that this time, he really doesn't want to. Surrounded by an incredible cast including the likes of Tina Fey, Michelle Yeoh and Jamie Dornan, A Haunting in Venice brings Poirot back to our screens in a big way.
This time set in Venice, and surrounding a potential supernatural entity, this story comes tantalisingly close to showing Poirot that logic is not always the answer. Don't worry, it is the answer in the end. But for a little minute, there is some hesitation in Poirot's otherwise impenetrable resolve that he can always figure it out. I have to admit that there's nothing special about the storyline in this film, but the visuals are something to savour for a fan of spooky season like me. The storm contained palazzo building with it's chandeliers and most importantly Adriene Oliver (Tina Fey) and her incredible outfits. Not to mention Jamie Dornan, just generally.
Most of that wobbly that Poirot undergoes in this film is down to the incredible Michelle Yeoh. Known for her role in Killing Even, Yeoh is literally perfect for the role of slightly unhinged and questionably motivated medium who is running a séance that conveniently follows on from a children's Halloween party. Their costumes are generally the scariest thing in this film. I digress. The séance could be a legitimate attempt to contact the dead or could be just a way to use the vulnerable. Poirot is fairly sure that he sees right through Mrs Reynolds (Yeoh) but there is a glimmer in his eyes of that dangerous 'what if' that can be the demise of even the greatest logical thinkers.
Spoiler alert! Of course, Poirot is right. Mrs Reynolds is not a true medium but works hard with the help of her sidekicks and some others who shall remain unnamed here to put together a very realistic episode of terrifying contact with the deceased. I would like to think that Agatha Christie would be proud to know that her fabled character can still stand up to his own doubts even when faced with a realistic séance in Venice surrounded by aptly creepy haunted house props, Well done Hercules.
It's interesting to see Christie's classic story retold with a horror-esque style to it. I think everybody is ever so slightly bored of the standard Poirot story that you see being replayed on telly every single day and almost immediately skip away from. As a fan of all things spooky, and in celebrating 2023's spooky season, I have to say I was pleasantly surprised by this film. I think the fact that there were three city-wide power cuts during the screening I was in might have helped that, but regardless it was a good watch.
All in all, I am very glad I went to watch this film on the big screen. A wonderfully eerie way to start my spooky season watchlist. Perhaps next time I'll be able to watch it without the three power cuts, but I honestly think they added to the experience! This film won't blow you away, but is a great one for a cold autumnal evening as we get closer to Halloween and you want something a lil creepy to warm your cockles, as it were. A solid 3/5 on Letterboxd from me, and I would watch it again for sure, even though I know what happens now.
Until next time,
Alice xoxo
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