A Haunting in Venice

Plot

Now retired, the famed detective Hercule Poirot is invited to a séance of a young woman who died in her home some years earlier. When one of the guests of the home is seemingly murdered, Poirot must use his skills to uncover the killer – and the connection to the possible murder of the young woman.

Direction

This is Branagh’s third outing in directing these films, and credit where it’s due – this is the most visually remarkable. There is great use of digital camera work – which makes use of Depth of Field in many scenes to show what is going on in an entire room. It does get used a little too much however.

There are some interesting use of panning down on characters during conversations, as well as what looks like some favourites of Branagh ‘The Gods Eye’ shot – as well as some 180 spins and ultra-close up on Branagh himself.

Cast/Characters

Once again, a fairly congested cast, with Branagh himself in the lead role. I didn’t find this iteration too much this time. He once again hams it up with the accent and moustache.

Secondary cast include Jamie Dornan, Michelle Yeoh, Tina Fey and Kelly Reilly.

The MVP goes to young Jude Hill who plays the son of Jamie Dornan’s PTSD stricken Dr.  

Screenplay/Setting/Themes

More horror/thriller than the previous films, the screenplay is quite engaging, and relatively easy to follow.

There are a few good jump scares, as well as some comedic irony (like when the chandelier falls down).

I did find the constant crying during the monologues of the characters a little bit much.

Score/Soundtrack

There is a solid horror score that plays underneath, as well as frightening sounds at time. Branagh also makes good use of diegetic sound while characters wonder around the house/mansion.

Overall

Third time is the charm for Branagh, as this is arguably the best in the trilogy of films he has made. The supporting cast all are good, and the camera work is impressive. This is better than ‘Murder on the Orient Express’ and MILES better than ‘Death on the Nile’. A recommend from me.

3.5/5