A Haunting in Venice: A Mix of Agatha Christie and Haunted Houses, but Some Say It’s a Missed Opportunity

A Haunting in Venice: Kenneth Branagh’s Latest Poirot Adventure

On September 15, Kenneth Branagh returns to the silver screen as Agatha Christie’s iconic detective, Hercule Poirot, in “A Haunting in Venice.” This marks Branagh’s third outing as the famed Belgian sleuth, following “Murder on the Orient Express” (2017) and “Death on the Nile” (2022). While anticipation runs high for this latest Poirot adventure, international reviews have delivered mixed verdicts, leaving fans intrigued about what this film has to offer.

A Departure from Christie’s Source Material

Critics note that “A Haunting in Venice” takes a departure from Agatha Christie’s original work. The film draws inspiration from Christie’s novel “Hallowe’en Party” but does not adhere strictly to the source material. The Wrap mentions, “Unlike the first two Poirot movies Branagh did that adapted Christie’s texts, ‘A Haunting in Venice’ is 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 divided opinions among reviewers.

A Visual Feast

One aspect of the film that garners unanimous praise is its visual presentation. Cinematographer Haris Zambarloukos’s work is hailed as striking and elegant, elevating the film’s aesthetic appeal. The New York Times remarks, “What’s consistent is the elegant visuals—striking cinematography by Haris Zambarloukos—which mark this movie’s real genre as lavish old-fashioned Hollywood entertainment.” Empire lauds Branagh’s approach of reimagining obscure Christie novels, describing it as promising.

Comparisons with Its Predecessors

“A Haunting in Venice” is also compared to its predecessor, “Death on the Nile.” The Guardian notes that this film fares better in the visual department, citing its superior production values compared to the previous installment. However, it also laments the underutilization of the film’s talented ensemble cast. The Guardian review expresses disappointment in the film’s pacing and resolution, describing them as lacking the energy and thrill expected from a Poirot mystery.

A Genre Blend

While “A Haunting in Venice” is predominantly a mystery, it dabbles in horror elements. The New York Times, however, suggests that the film might not fully satisfy horror enthusiasts, citing its talkative nature and occasional lack of cinematic scare sequences. It acknowledges Branagh’s penchant for actorly grand guignol but believes the film falls short in delivering the expected horror experience.

The Cast and Crew

Kenneth Branagh not only portrays Poirot but also directs the film. “A Haunting in Venice” features a notable ensemble cast, including Tina Fey, Michelle Yeoh, and Jamie Dornan, adding to the anticipation surrounding the movie.

As the film hits theaters, fans of Hercule Poirot and Agatha Christie’s mysteries are eager to see how Kenneth Branagh’s unique take on the detective will unfold. While the reviews may be mixed, the allure of Poirot’s enigmatic character and the promise of a visually stunning cinematic experience ensure that “A Haunting in Venice” remains a compelling addition to the Poirot film series.

More: Selena Gomez Journey, A Multifaceted Journey to Stardom