Supernatural Tinged Mystery A Haunting in Venice (2023) Delights With Spooky Whodunnit
Title: A Haunting in Venice
First Non-Festival Release: September 13, 2023 (Theatrical Release)
Director: Kenneth Branagh
Writer: Michael Green, Agatha Christie
Runtime: 103 Minutes
Starring: Kenneth Branagh, Michelle Yeoh, Tina Fey, Jamie Dornan
Where to Watch: Check out where to find it here
Agatha Christie is known for being one of the most prolific mystery writers in English literature. She mostly wrote detective driven mysteries that feature members of the upper middle class. One of her most iconic characters is Hercule Poirot, a mustachioed detective who uses his “little grey cells” to solve complex crimes.
Attempting to retire in peace in Venice, world renown detective Hercule Poirot (Kenneth Branagh) is approached by mystery author Ariadne Oliver (Tina Fey) pleading for help cracking an unsolvable case. Joyce Reynolds (Michelle Yeoh) is a psychic who will be hosting a séance at the residence of Rowena Drake (Kelly Reilly) to communicate with her late daughter (Rowan Robinson). Once there, the party guests find themselves in danger as the body of one of their own is found after they commune with the dead.
A thoughtful whodunnit with a supernatural twist, A Haunting in Venice is an engaging mystery propped up by lively performances.
The hook in A Haunting in Venice is that Hercule Poirot may encounter his first case that he will not be able to explain away using a series of logical deductions and pointed observations. The seemingly impenetrable mystery gives way to a series of well-constructed alibis and plenty of misdirection. One of the best parts of a mystery is the ability for audiences to play detective alongside the protagonist. A Haunting in Venice gives plenty of opportunities to engage its audience in a parallel investigation as Hercule combs through his list of suspects. While it is certain some characters are involved in the night’s events in one fashion, the truth behind it is genuinely surprising for many. The mystery is never fully obvious, but it isn’t made imperceptible either.
No mystery is complete without its cast of potential suspects, and A Haunting in Venice assembles a crew of memorable and quirky would-be murderers thanks to its all-star cast. Jamie Dornan fully commits to his alcoholic PTSD riddled father role that just screams pitying. The two scheming assistants of the deceased, Desdemona and Nicholas played by Emma Laird and Ali Khan add an element of chaos to the mystery as they are the least known of the crew. And, of course, the wonderful Michelle Yeoh plays the late psychic Joyce Reynolds with such electricity that it is impossible to tear your eyes away from her when she appears onscreen.
A character all its own, the precariously perched canal-side manor house exudes plenty of gothic charm and novelty as it finds itself both isolated and inescapable thanks to the weather. Beautifully constructed, what could easily have felt like a cramped single-location film feels expansive thanks to the full exploration of the property. From its water-logged basement to charming rooftop garden, nearly every room in this historic site is explored and integrated neatly into the story, providing plenty of room for thrills and investigation. Stylistically, it adds plenty of elements to adhere to a mystery-lover’s tastes. Iron bar gates, tragic balconies, and sturdy statues are just some of the features that give the film an added punch both visually and story-wise.
Perhaps the most disappointing aspect of A Haunting in Venice is its weak attempts at adding its horror element into the fold. Rationality aside, most of the moments where Hercule feels himself losing control of his faculties seem more shoe-horned than anything. While adding the haunting portion to the whodunnit, A Haunting in Venice only manages to muddy the waters between the real happenings and the fantastic. Its ambiguity adds a certain sweetness to the film’s finale but otherwise doesn’t play much part in the action of the plot, but moreso Hercule’s own journey. Even then, when calculating its actual effect on him it only negligibly impacts him by the end.
A Haunting in Venice is an inoffensive and atmospheric dip into murder mystery that is a perfect gateway into horror for those who are scare-averse. While it lacks the intensity to terrify its audience, A Haunting in Venice makes up for this with its affable cast of memorable characters and genuinely intriguing resolution. Beautifully constructed, filmed, and acted, this Hercule Poirot jaunt will only haunt you if you miss it this Halloween season.
Overall Score? 7/10
