The Mosley Review: Death on the Nile
Is it just me or is it just so refreshing to have a proper murder mystery on the big screen again? I think that the genre is making a sneaky come back that I am all for. We've all at some point read an Agatha Christie novel, short story or seen one of her plays and we know what we're all in for. Right from the beginning this film sucks you in with its stunning visuals in the tense opening scene and then we're off to exotic locations. Once the mystery begins, the film truly takes off and the tension never stops. Could it have gotten to the first murder faster sure, but that would defeat the point of getting to know the suspects. I was truly engrossed in the storytelling and I enjoyed the explaining of how each character is related to the deceased in some form. The visuals and dialogue are always great in these type of stories, but it is the characters whom are the riches part of it all.
The entire cast was fantastic and deserve all the recognition, but I'm gonna focus on the one’s that truly stood out to me. Kenneth Branagh returns as the legendary private detective Hercule Poirot and he was beyond fantastic. I loved that we got more of his backstory and the violent origin of his mustache. He was hilarious in the right moments and truly cunning in his investigative state. Tom Bateman as his young and spirited friend Bouc, was charming and fun. You feel the chemistry between him and Hercule and I would've loved to have just watch them talk over tea. Annette Bening plays his scolding mother Euphemia brilliantly and I can't tell you how much I couldn't stand her. She was so negative and just a mean woman that was devoid of any kindness in her heart. Russell Brand stretches his dramatic muscle as Dr. Linus Windlesham. I almost didn't recognize him at times and I truly loved how restrained he was. Ali Fazal was excellent as Andrew Katchadourian. He had his own agenda and it becomes quite clear in the most subtle ways and I loved his performance throughout the film. Letitia Wright was charming and strong as Rosalie Otterbourne. I really enjoyed her moments with Bouc and their love story. It felt very Romeo and Juliet at times. Sophie Okonedo was so wise and saucy as Rosalie's Aunt, Salome Otterbourne. She is a powerhouse of a performer and she shines once again in this film. Her chemistry with Hercule was something special and you would think they would be a good couple. Gal Gadot was great as Linnet Ridgeway-Doyle and I loved that she had this sense of danger that seemed to follow her everywhere. Her ability to play up the paranoia of the character was fun to watch. Armie Hammer plays her husband Simon and I liked him. He was loving and yet filled with venom in a number of scenes. The amount pompous he portrays with the character was expertly done and it made it easy to hate him. Emma Mackey was amazing as Jacqueline de Bellefort. She delivers a stunning performance as the heart broken former lover of Simon and she steals every moment that she's on screen. The chemistry between all the 3 of them in the opening moments was filled with energy and palpable sexual tension.
The score by returning composer Patrick Doyle was ever present, playful and looming in the most intense scenes. I loved that he keeps the tension flowing even in the most quietest of interrogation scenes. Visually this film was absolutely stunning. The shots of the Nile and sweeping shots of Egypt really made the locations a character in of themselves. The only problem I had with the film is that it had an abrupt ending. It felt abrupt because of the quick pacing which was a benefit, but I wouldn't have mind if the story continued for another 5 minutes of searching. As a fan of the murder mystery genre, I hope there are more films like this to come in the future. This was a refreshing and engaging mystery that’s filled with fun reveals and great revelations. If you loved the previous film, Murder on the Orient Express, then you're gonna love this. Let me know what you thought of the film or my review in the comments below. Thanks for reading!
