There was a reason that I wanted to review this film. Actually…two. I love murder mysteries, especially ones featuring that funny little man, Hercule Poirot, and secondly, because I have always dreamt of going to Venice.
A Haunting in Venice
Anyone who follows my reviews on Biff Bam Pop! knows that I love foreign films and foreign TV series. With BritBox, I was drawn into the magical world of Agatha Christie’s most famous detective, Hercule Poirot. On the series, this part is played to perfection by the amazing actor, David Suchet. I have watched all thirteen seasons…twice so far, and even though Agatha Christie found this odd little man from Belgium insufferable, I became a most loyal fan. So, I was quite skeptical to watch any other actor portray Poirot. Kenneth Branagh definitely erased those doubts in Murder on the Orient Express and Death on the Nile. But would he keep my loyalty with the third film that was based on Christie’s novel Halloween Party?
A Haunting in Venice was produced and directed by Kenneth Branagh and stars Kyle Allen, Camille Cottin, Jamie Dornan, Tina Fey, Jude Hill, Riccardo Scamarcio, Kelly Reilly, and Michelle Yeoh. The year is 1947. The war is over, and Hercule Poirot (Kenneth Branagh), having lost his faith in God and mankind, enjoys a secluded retirement is Venice. His only companion is his bodyguard, Vitale (Riccardo Scamarcio), an ex-policeman who allows no visitors to pester Poirot. The scene is set for a most fascinating mystery when an old friend arrives.
Ariadne Oliver (Tina Fey), the famous crime novelist, comes with apples and a mystery to be solved. There is to be a séance that night. A famous medium (Michelle Yeoh) has just been released from jail and Ariadne thinks that she is the real deal but needs the careful scrutiny of Poirot to prove this medium a fake. The seance takes place in a palazzo that was formally an orphanage. It is rumored to be haunted by the spirits of children who were locked up and left to die during the plague. The owner of the palazzo is a former opera star. Rowena (Kelly Reilly) believes her daughter was haunted by the spirits, and that these spirits drove her daughter to commit suicide. Poirot, who thinks this séance is foolishness, soon begins to doubt his own sanity as the bodies begin to pile up.
Conclusion
I never thought that I would enjoy anyone other than David Suchet as Hercule Poirot, but Kenneth Branagh has stepped up to the plate in a most honest and enjoyable tribute to the famous detective. I would say that A Haunting in Venice is the best of the three films made so far. Although I love Tina Fey, I have been spoiled by watching the actress Zoe Wanamaker’s version of Ariadne Oliver.
What was more surprising was the acting by child star Jude Hill. His part in the story is important, but even though he isn’t stealing the scene from any of the adults, his presence is intense.
Are ghosts real? Yes, and sometimes they will, if you listen very closely…reveal their secrets.
You can watch A Haunting in Venice on Prime, Apple, Hulu for a price, but that price is worth it.