Death on the Nile
2022 Review Number 3:
Death on the Nile: (Mystery/Thriller/Drama): 72 out of 100: Kenneth Branagh returns as famed Belgian detective Hercule Poirot in this Covid delayed follow-up to 'Murder on the Orient Express' from 2017. Like its Agatha Christie predecessor, Branagh is in the director's chair to overlook another whodunnit which takes a while to get going before reaching a satisfying conclusion.
The movie begins with a black and white prologue of Poirot's intuitive skills being displayed in World War I then on to the main setting of 1937 where we are introduced to Poirot sitting in a nightclub observing the actions of three central characters, Simon (Armie Hammer), Jacqueline (Emma Mackey) and socialite Linnet (Gal Gadot). Simon and Jacqueline are engaged when Jacqueline introduces him to her friend, Linnet. Six weeks later in Egypt, Simon is no longer engaged to Jacqueline and instead, married to Linnet. Poirot is also holidaying in Egypt when he bumps into his friend, Bouc (Tom Bateman) who suggests he join him on the newlyweds' honeymoon cruise on a paddle steamer along the Nile River. Also on the cruise are Bouc's mother Euphemia (Annette Bening), Dr Windlesham (Russell Brand) former fiancé of Linnett, Linnet's cousin Andrew (Ali Fazal), Marie (Jennifer Saunders), the godmother of Linnet, and Marie's nurse and friend, Bowers (Dawn French). When a murder takes place, Poirot is on the hunt for the killer.
​
It is not until the second half of the film when the complications arise due to the murder. The first hour introduces all the characters and is a bit of a slog at times. It moves along at a leisurely pace until the whodunnit aspect is brought to the fore. The second half breezes through and is definitely more fun and engrossing than the first half. This is like two movies in one-the drama and character development of the first half followed by the mystery and thrills of the second half.
​
Branagh along with his cast turn in convincing performances. Even though there are many characters, each actor has their moment in the spotlight. Even Brand who can be very annoying in some roles, shows off his dramatic flair. Although mainly dramatic, there are several comedic scenes involving actors such as French and Saunders.
​
The visuals are impressive with the production design and costumes impeccably representing the era of the movie's setting. The cinematography also brings to life the Egyptian locations. Along with the visuals, the sumptuous music score by Patrick Doyle complements both the dramatic and suspenseful scenes.
​
Although not this viewer's preferred sub-genre, this whodunnit proves that it can still hold the attention of many film-going audiences. Branagh proves yet again that he is capable of performing the dual roles of actor and director. He has now settled in comfortably in the role of Hercule Poirot and it will please aficionados of this beloved Agatha Christie character if he continues with further whodunnit adventures.
​
Starring Kenneth Branagh, Armie Hammer, Gal Gadot, Annette Bening, Dawn French, Jennifer Saunders, Ali Fazal, Rose Leslie, Sophie Okonedo, Letitia Wright, Emma Mackey, Tom Bateman and Russell Brand
(127 mins)
Parental advice: Violence
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dZRqB0JLizw (Movie trailer)
​
(Reviewed on Saturday 12th February, 2022)
For my latest views and reviews, go to this link: https://mlaimlai2.wixsite.com/magical-movie-review
​
