Kenneth Branagh returns as the iconic detective Hercule Poirot in “A Haunting in Venice,” the third installment in his Agatha Christie series. While some international reviews celebrate the film’s visual splendor and creative departure from Christie’s text, others bemoan the missed opportunities and underutilized talent within the ensemble cast.
Intriguingly, “A Haunting in Venice” diverges from the traditional Christie adaptations. “The Wrap” describes it as “less an adaptation of the novel ‘Hallowe’en Party’—considered one of Christie’s lesser works—and more inspired by it.” This creative liberty has garnered both praise and criticism.
Critics have marveled at the movie’s elegant visuals, with “The New York Times” highlighting the “striking cinematography by Haris Zambarloukos,” positioning the film as a luxurious piece of Hollywood entertainment. “Empire” commends the bold approach of rewriting obscure Christie novels, suggesting a promising future for such adaptations.
However, despite the film’s visual prowess, “The Guardian” laments the squandered potential of its exceptional cast. The review expresses disappointment with the “trudging inertia” that sets in and the “false-ending, fake-reveal moments” that the film breezes through. This critique underscores the missed opportunities to fully engage the ensemble cast in a compelling narrative.
“The New York Times” review suggests that “A Haunting in Venice” may leave horror enthusiasts wanting more, deeming it “gloomy as a mystery” and “perfunctory as horror.” The film’s talk-heavy approach and pacing are cited as factors that hinder its effectiveness in the horror genre.
“A Haunting in Venice” is directed by Kenneth Branagh himself, who also steps into the lead role in this supernatural mystery. Produced by 20th Century Studios, the ensemble cast includes Tina Fey, Michelle Yeoh, and Jamie Dornan.
As the film blends sumptuous visuals with daring creative choices, it remains a subject of debate among critics, offering both moments of brilliance and moments of missed potential in the ever-evolving world of Agatha Christie adaptations.
Sources By Agencies
