Director: Kenneth Branagh

Starring: Kyle Allen, Kenneth Branagh, Camille Cottin, Jamie Dornan, Tina Fey, Jude Hill, Ali Khan, Emma Laird, Kelly Reilly, Riccardo Scamarcio, Michelle Yeoh

Storyline:

Kenneth Branagh's third venture as the brilliant Belgian detective Hercule Poirot, following "Murder on the Orient Express" (2017) and "Death on the Nile" (2022), transports us to post-World War II Venice, where Poirot has retired and developed a penchant for cakes, courtesy of his dear friend, mystery novelist Ariadne Oliver (Tina Fey).

Ariadne persuades Poirot to attend a Halloween soirée at the eerie palazzo owned by retired opera singer Rowena Drake (Kelly Reilly). This palazzo carries a haunting history as it once served as an orphanage, where caretakers abandoned children during a plague outbreak, leaving behind restless souls. Rowena is mourning her daughter Alicia (Rowan Robinson), whose tragic drowning appears to be linked to the malevolent spirits haunting the palazzo.

To communicate with Alicia, a medium named Joyce Reynolds (Michelle Yeoh) conducts a séance during the party, attended by other intriguing characters: the PTSD-afflicted doctor Leslie Ferrier (Jamie Dornan) and his remarkably intelligent son Leopold (Jude Hill), the guilt-ridden au pair Olga Seminoff (Camille Cottin), and Alicia's former fiancé Maxime Gerard (Kyle Allen).

However, the séance takes a sinister turn, leading to a shocking death. A violent storm isolates the palazzo, creating a classic locked-door mystery scenario where everyone becomes a suspect, each harboring their own secrets, including Poirot's bodyguard Vitale Portfoglio (Riccardo Scamarcio) and the dream-chasing siblings, Nicholas (Ali Khan) and Desdemona (Emma Laird).

Review:

"A Haunting in Venice" distinguishes itself from Agatha Christie's "Hallowe'en Party" in numerous ways, and these differences are essential to appreciate this film's unique spin on the classic mystery. Branagh's portrayal of Poirot as a retiree seeking cakes over cases adds depth to the character, making him more relatable and human.

The palazzo's haunting history and the tragic backstory of the characters create an atmospheric and chilling setting, enhanced by Haris Zambarloukos's arresting cinematography. The skewed perspectives and off-kilter framing cleverly mirror Poirot's unsettled state of mind and play a significant role in uncovering the mystery's solution.

"A Haunting in Venice" revels in its decadent luxuriousness, with warm lamps casting sinister shadows that contribute to the film's overall glowing gloom. The impeccable costume design and set decoration are visually captivating, while the clock featuring the Garden of Eden theme adds a delightful touch to the enigmatic ambiance.

By focusing on the central mystery rather than indulging in excessive backstories and quirks, the film fulfills its brand promise and delivers a captivating whodunit experience.

In conclusion, "A Haunting in Venice" may take liberties with its source material, but it succeeds in providing an engrossing and visually stunning murder mystery. Branagh's portrayal of Poirot, the film's atmospheric beauty, and its commitment to the mystery genre make it a must-see for both fans of classic whodunits and newcomers alike.

Ratings:

With its decadent allure and skillful storytelling, "A Haunting in Venice" earns a well-deserved 4.5 out of 5 stars. Bellissimo indeed!

IMDB Rating 6.8/10