Style: Crime Thriller
Director: Gilles Paquet-Brenner
Starring: Max Irons, Stefanie Martini, Glenn Shut, Terence Stamp, Julian Sands, Gillian Anderson, Christina Hendricks
Operating Time: 115 minutes
Synopsis: In Fifties England, Sophia Leonides (Stefanie Martini) asks personal detective Charles Hayward (Max Irons) to analyze the dying of her grandfather Aristide, a rich Greek tycoon. Sophia believes Aristide was poisoned, and the suspects embody his new younger spouse and former Las Vegas showgirl Brenda (Christina Hendricks), his ex-sister-in-law Girl Edith (Glenn Shut), his son Philip (Julian Sands), and daughter-in-law Magda (Gillian Anderson). Charles’ investigation is difficult by recollections of his transient wartime fling with Sophia, and rising curiosity within the case by Scotland Yard’s Inspector Taverner (Terence Stamp).
What Works Effectively: This stylish adaptation of the Agatha Christie whodunnit advantages from brisk pacing, lavish places, and a vibrant forged of suspects. As a comparatively low-key however nonetheless astute investigator, Charles Hayward doggedly reveals a fancy internet of motives, conspiracies, illicit affairs, and interpersonal jealousies, casting suspicion in all instructions. Even Aristide’s youthful grandchildren, the astute pre-teen Josephine (who observes and writes every part) and the cynical teenager Eustace (who’s unafraid to ask the boldest questions), become involved within the machinations, together with their tutor.
What Does Not Work As Effectively: Too many characters throughout the Leonides mansion vie for a similar display screen time, and lots of must accept shorthand representations. Given the complexities inside this household, the ending is rushed, and though the gather-all-the-suspects-in-a-room climactic scene is mercifully averted, Charles’ sleuthing efforts additionally do not quantity to a lot.
Key Quote:
Josephine: The assassin is rarely the one you initially suspect.
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