A Haunting in Venice is a supernatural murder mystery directed by Kenneth Branagh, who also reprises his role as the famous detective Hercule Poirot. It’s based on the Agatha Christie story Hallowe’en Party. The film takes place in an old palace after WW2, where one of the guests of a séance gets killed. Poirot is drawn back into his old role, unraveling a web of secrets to identify the killer.
It’s a classic whodunit with elements of horror
While it retains all of the detective work that Agatha Christy fans have come to expect, A Haunting in Venice also integrates a significant amount of horror and the supernatural. Set in the eerie environment of Venice, the haunted palazzo creates a perfect backdrop for the mystery, giving viewers a darker, more suspenseful experience compared to earlier films in the series. Branagh’s direction enhances the spooky mood with a mixture of classic horror visuals and psychological tension that make it perfect for the Halloween season.
An ensemble cast adds to the intrigue
A Haunting in Venice features a star-studded cast, including Michelle Yeoh as the medium Joyce Reynolds, who you might remember from Crouching Tiger Hidden Dragon, Tina Fey as mystery writer Ariadne Oliver, and Kelly Reilly as Rowena Drake, the host of the séance. Other key characters include Maxime Gerard, the ex-fiancé of Drake’s deceased daughter, and Dr. Leslie Ferrier, a troubled doctor played by Jamie Dornan. Each character brings unique secrets and motives that deepen the mystery and keep audiences guessing until the end.
A Haunting in Venice stands out as one of the best adaptations of Christie’s works
Critics and fans have praised A Haunting in Venice as one of the best adaptions of Agatha Christy’s work yet to make it to the big screen, which is saying a lot. Most enjoyed the strong performances we mentioned, especially Branagh’s portrayal of Poirot as a detective haunted by past tragedies, and they also liked the fresh take on the story with him in a more emotional story with supernatural elements.
Catch A Haunting in Venice now streaming on Hulu
If you missed the theatrical release, A Haunting in Venice is now available to stream on Hulu.
Released just in time for Halloween, the film is perfect for fans of murder mysteries and psychological horror alike. Whether you’re a long-time Christie fan or new to Poirot’s world, this film promises suspense and thrills against the backdrop of a haunted Venice and is sure to be a standout of the season.
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