A Halloween feast awaits in Kenneth Branagh’s A Haunting in Venice, seamlessly blending the otherworldly allure of the supernatural with the enduring charm of Agatha Christie’s murder mysteries. Guided by the impeccable Belgian detective Hercule Poirot, we journey into the enigmatic depths of Venice’s canals to solve a murder mystery of paranormal proportions. The film promises a tantalizing séance of suspense, offering spectral surprises alongside a nostalgic ode to vintage Halloween that’s positively bewitching.
“…positively bewitching.”
A Haunting in Venice takes us back to 1947, where a disillusioned Poirot (Branagh) finds himself retired in the enchanting city of Venice, a far cry from the exotic locales of his previous adventures. He’s reluctantly pulled back into the world of detection by his ever-persistent friend, Ariadne Oliver, portrayed by comedienne Tina Fey. Oliver persuades Poirot to attend a Halloween party hosted by enigmatic former opera singer Rowena Drake, played with chilling elegance by Kelly Reilly (Malignant).
Branagh’s direction immerses us in the spooky splendor of a vintage Halloween celebration. From paper mâché costumes to apple bobbing and eerie shadow-puppet urban legends, it’s a Halloween lover’s dream come true. The backdrop of this spooky soirée serves as the perfect canvas for A Haunting in Venice’s murder mystery, a place where the line between the supernatural and reality blurs, setting the stage for an unforgettable night of intrigue.
The pièce de résistance of the party is a séance led by the mesmerizing Michelle Yeoh, who oozes confidence and charm even as Branagh’s Poirot, in his characteristic style, attempts to discredit her. The séance sequence is spine-tinglingly chilling, with eerie manifestations that’ll satiate any horror-loving heart. Yeoh’s portrayal of medium Joyce Reynolds is a masterclass in charisma and mystique, making for the perfect enigmatic nemesis to our sound and grounded Poirot.
For Agatha Christie aficionados, A Haunting in Venice offers a delightful surprise; while the mystery may not be entirely uncrackable for those well-versed in Christie’s works, it takes considerable deviations from the source material, Hallowe’en Party. Even if you’ve read the novel for which the film is based, you’ll still be able to ponder just whodunit. These fresh twists and turns in the narrative provide a unique and engaging experience for both dedicated fans and newcomers to the world of Poirot.
Painted as a supernatural thriller, the film delivers on the horror front with gusto. There are plenty of jumpscares and ghostly moments that will have you clutching your armrest. Poor Poirot, ever the skeptic, faces a parade of specters during his investigation. These apparitions both help and hinder him, as all great ghosts should. The blend of the supernatural and the cerebral makes A Haunting in Venice the perfect Halloween treat, one where the line between reality and the supernatural is deliciously blurred.
However, there’s a small quibble to be had with the avant-garde cinematography choices of A Haunting in Venice. The use of fish-eye lenses and Dutch angles occasionally feels a bit excessive, even for a film set on Halloween night. These stylistic choices, while undoubtedly bold, may leave some viewers feeling a tad disoriented and distracted from the otherwise engrossing plot.
But what makes A Haunting in Venice truly captivating is Branagh’s portrayal of Poirot. He effortlessly slips back into the detective’s iconic shoes, complete with his meticulous mustache. Branagh’s Poirot remains the heart and soul of the film, providing both comic relief and the brilliant intellect needed to solve the perplexing mystery. As they say, wines get better with age, and the same is true about Branagh’s Poirot, who seems to age even closer into the detective with every film.
Let’s not forget Venice, the city of winding canals and crumbling elegance, which plays a significant role in the film. Kenneth Branagh captures the city’s timeless allure and haunting beauty before the film is locked down by a murder most foul. Venice is a character in itself, its winding streets and majestic architecture serving as the backdrop to a story that’s as beguiling as the city’s labyrinthine alleyways.
As Poirot unravels the threads of deception and deceit, the mystery deepens, leading us through a web of hidden crypts, urban legends of vengeance beyond the grave, and unexpected betrayals. The suspense reaches its zenith as the list of suspects dwindles and the truth begins to surface. The grand reveal is both clever and satisfying, a testament to Branagh’s directorial prowess and the enduring appeal of Agatha Christie’s mysteries.
In the end, A Haunting in Venice is more than just a mere murder mystery. It’s a celebration of Halloween’s macabre magic, a tribute to the genius of Agatha Christie, and a reminder that even in the most spectral of circumstances, justice prevails.
“[A Haunting in Venice] is a celebration of Halloween’s macabre magic, a tribute to the genius of Agatha Christie, and a reminder that even in the most spectral of circumstances, justice prevails.”
If you’re in the mood for a cinematic cocktail of murder, mystery, and the supernatural, A Haunting in Venice is your ticket to a Halloween party you won’t soon forget. Kenneth Branagh and his cast of star-studded suspects have conjured a cinematic séance that will leave you so brimming with chills you’ll need a sweater afterward. Don your vintage costumes, grab your popcorn, and prepare to be bewitched by the mesmerizing world of Hercule Poirot once more.
A Haunting in Venice is now in theatres. Did you dig it? Come chat in the spoiler zone over in the Nightmare on Film Street Discord! If you’re looking for more Murder Mysteries, our own Jonathan Dehaan just recommended 16 must-watch whodunits!
