A Spooky Surprise : Branagh's Haunting Take on Hercule Poirot

 By Edgar Allan Yu

For the third time, Kenneth Branagh assumes the role of the world-renowned Belgian detective Hercule Poirot. However, in his latest outing A Haunting in Venice, Branagh takes a haunting new turn with the character. He employs horror elements and an eerie Venetian setting to craft a chilling mystery thriller. Set in post-World War II Venice, this adaptation of Agatha Christie's Poirot plunges you into a spine-tingling mystery that will keep you guessing until the end.  

The location shots in Venice are gorgeous, capturing the city’s Gothic architecture and maze of canals. While the scenes set within the crumbling Venetian palazzo, Branagh utilizes creative camera angles, shadows, and dim lighting to create a haunting atmosphere that complements the story. Clever use of mirrors, candles, and natural light filtering dramatize each revelation and red herring. Close-ups, aerial views, and dramatic sweeps give viewers a sense of both intimacy and grandeur.  

 

The cast includes stars of comedy, action, and drama including Tina Fey, Michelle Yeoh, Kelly Reilly, Jamie Dornan, Jude Hill, Kyle Allen, etc.. Each actor embraces their complex character and suspicious persona. They all have reasonable motivations and the means to commit the crime, making it difficult to determine the culprit. 

Until the final revelation, the star-studded ensemble keeps audiences guessing by providing red herrings and plot twists. However, Poirot is finally able to connect the clues and deduce the killer’s true identity in a dramatic conclusion. If you love mystery thrillers, you will enjoy this. And if you're looking for a somewhat scary film to watch with family and friends, this is a perfect choice for movie bonding.   

Photos courtesy of 20th Century Studios