Kenneth Branagh, with his goofy mustache and funny accent, has become quite skilled at adapting Agatha Christie’s Hercule Poirot stories. While Murder on the Orient Express was a decent thriller and a satisfactory update to a classic whodunit, A Haunting in Venice, currently available on Hulu just in time for Halloween, surpasses them all. Adapted from Christie’s novel Hallowe’en Party, this film sees Poirot come out of retirement at the request of a mystery writer friend to investigate supernatural claims made by a medium. As expected, things go awry and a murder takes place, forcing our heroic mustachioed Belgian detective to dive into the investigation.
Branagh’s confidence as a director in the murder mystery genre is growing with each Poirot film. A Haunting in Venice is visually stunning, paying homage to directors from the era in which the movie is set, including Fritz Lang and Orson Welles. The Venetian villa, where most of the action unfolds, is shot in a Gothic style, with looming shadows that engulf the room, and suits of armor lurking in the background, creating an ominous atmosphere. The film exudes an overall sense of mystery and dread without sacrificing momentum or enjoyment. While Branagh may not match the originality of the true masters, he excels at adapting and reimagining directing styles and camera movements, just as he does with storytelling.
Although the movie is the most eerie of Branagh’s detective films, it doesn’t quite reach the level of a full-blown horror. It presents compelling evidence of ghosts and walking dead, references a haunted orphanage, and maintains an air of impending death. Yet, it remains within a range that most viewers can handle without being too frightened.
The only drawback to the movie is that not all the actors live up to the script and directing. Branagh himself shines as Poirot, bringing a perfect balance of charm and silliness, mixed with the underlying pain and sorrow of someone who has experienced a great deal of loss. Camille Cottin delivers a strong performance as a suspicious housekeeper, while Michelle Yeoh impresses in her brief role as the medium under investigation. Unfortunately, Tina Fey falls short. Her portrayal of Poirot’s author friend lacks the charisma of the rest of the cast and reveals more than intended. Nonetheless, this minor issue does not overshadow the overall enjoyment of the film.
As Branagh continues to dedicate himself to the Poirot series, it becomes evident how much he adores making these films. They bring out the fun-loving side of him as both an actor and a filmmaker. He relishes in putting on the accent and embracing the quirky mannerisms. Moreover, Branagh thrives when he has clear references to draw upon, whether from novels or different eras of filmmaking, which this series provides. It’s a good thing he enjoys making them because they are becoming truly exceptional. Here’s to many more Poirot films from Branagh in the future.
Stream A Haunting in Venice on Hulu today.
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