Movie Review: A Haunting In Venice
Written by Bob Garver
A Pursuit in Venice is the third film by director and star Kenneth Branagh as Detective Hercule Poirot, written by Agatha Christie. The other two films are “Murder on the Orient Express” from 2017 and “Death on the Nile” from 2022. “The Haunted in Venice” arrives just a year and a half after the last film, although the change is less impressive if we remember the trailers. ; As for Death on the Nile, it was released a year and a half before the film was released, and the release faced many delays. These delays may be a blessing in disguise, because unlike the parts I've reviewed in recent weeks, Branagh's Poirot is still relatively fresh in my mind and I'm much more keen to return to his world.
In fact, Poirot himself does not want to return to the world of mystery and danger. Ten years have passed since the events of Death on the Nile, and Poirot is retired, spending his days protecting potential clients with the help of his bodyguard Vitale (Riccardo Scamarcio) and not enjoying Venetian sweets. For those keeping score, this version of Italy is a little more engaging than the crime-filled version of The Equalizer 3, but far less than the glorious journey story of Book Club: The Next Chapter.
Poirot's determination not to prove himself is interrupted by Ariadne Oliver (Tina Fey, a very modern actress who feels out of place in this 1947 film), an American crime writer. He's about to write a book about Joyce Reynolds (Michelle Yeoh), who has so far managed to avoid being scammed. Oliver wants Poirot to understand Reynolds or decide that he is the real deal so the plan can continue. Poirot, doubtful of his belonging beyond this world, accepts what he is sure will be a humiliating mutilation of Reynolds.
That night, Halloween Eve, Reynolds hosts retired opera singer Rowena Drake (Kelly Reilly) at his house. Rowena's daughter Alicia was found drowned in a canal some time ago and believes Reynolds can help her find a solution. Poirot, Oliver and Vitale attend the session, as do Rowena's governess Olga (Camille Cottin), Dr. Ferrer (Jamie Dornan), his son Leopold (Judd Hill), and Reynolds' assistants Desdemona (Emma Laird) and Nicholas (Ali Khan). . )). . And if things weren't tense enough, Alicia's ex-boyfriend Maxim (Kyle Allen) is also present. During the hearing, Reynolds, who is supposedly mentoring Alicia, announces that she has been murdered. Soon an unmysterious murder occurs, and Poirot takes over the case.
Like all Poirot mysteries, the night is full of twists and turns, secrets are surreptitiously revealed and everyone gets the chance to play the role of the prime suspect. What is unique is the possibility of something supernatural happening. Poirot can swear there is a girl in the villa that no one can see or hear. There has to be a logical/scientific explanation...otherwise no.
When "Chase in Venice" begins, the suspense continues until the mystery is unraveled. At this point, it's up to the viewer to conclude how smart they are to have figured it all out. Were they right or wrong? If they got it wrong, was it because they missed something or did the film withhold an important clue until the last minute? Were the clues provided too easy or too difficult? Can a world-class detective like Poirot solve this mystery? For me, I thought it was the combination of all these elements that gave me mixed feelings about the film as a whole. But I won't deny that the experience is fun, no matter what you think of the ending or the mystery in retrospect.
Class B-
A Haunting in Venice is rated PG-13 for intense violence, disturbing images, and thematic elements. Its duration is 103 minutes.
Contact Bob Garver at rrg251@nyu.edu.
