A Haunting in Venice Review: A Must-See for Fans of Agatha Christie and Hercule Poirot!

INTRODUCTION.

In the enchanting realm of cinema, where dreams blend seamlessly with reality, there exists a realm of horror, mystery and allure. Welcome to “A Haunting in Venice (2023),” a mesmerizing crime murder mystery thriller that beckons you into a world of intrigue and suspense. Directed by Kenneth Branagh, a true virtuoso of storytelling.

As the curtains rise on this cinematic marvel, Branagh, in a graceful reprisal of his iconic role, invites you to delve into the depths of a puzzle that defies time and reason. This captivating story, meticulously crafted by the imaginative quill of Michael Green, finds its roots in Agatha Christie’s timeless novel, “Hallowe’en Party,” 1969.

“A Haunting in Venice” stands as a sequel to “Death on the Nile” (2022), making this Branagh’s third spellbinding portrayal of the detective.

The talents of Kyle Allen, Camille Cottin, Jamie Dornan, Tina Fey, Jude Hill, Ali Khan, Emma Laird, Kelly Reilly, Riccardo Scamarcio, and Michelle Yeoh were also needed as casts to make this film. Each actor brings their unique charm and brilliance to this symphony of characters, weaving a tapestry of emotions and intrigue that will leave you breathless.

Released on September 15th, for precisely 1 hour and 43 minutes, I was transported to a place where mystery and terror danced hand in hand, where Venice itself became a character in this tale of suspense.

SYNOPSIS.

From 20thCenturyStudios, “A Haunting in Venice” is set in eerie, post-World War II Venice on All Hallows’ Eve and is a terrifying mystery featuring the return of the celebrated sleuth, Hercule Poirot. Now retired and living in self-imposed exile in the world’s most glamorous city, Poirot reluctantly attends a séance at a decaying, haunted palazzo. When one of the guests is murdered, the detective is thrust into a sinister world of shadows and secrets.

A HAUNTING IN VENICE SUMMARY AND FILM REVIEW.

In A Haunting in Venice, the story unfolds to the backdrop of a mesmerizing and tension-filled musical composition. The harmonies and sounds seemed to transport me away to the enchanting world of Cinderella’s (1950) animated classic. Within this cinematic masterpiece, we are introduced to a queue of men, all eager to seek the counsel of Hercule Poirot, a retired Detective who has lost his faith in both God and Humanity itself. As the detective finally steps out, the entire queue trails behind him, each one yearning to fill him with their unresolved burdens. Yet, in this post-war Venetian retirement haven, Poirot doesn’t listen to them.

On Halloween, Mr. Harcule’s vigilant bodyguard approaches him with intriguing news: ‘There is a lady here, she says she’s in Venice for an urgent business and she says she’s a friend of yours.‘ True to form, the detective initially rebuffs with a dry, ‘I have no friends,’ only to relent later and ask for the visitor. Much to his surprise, the guest turns out to be none other than the renowned novelist and bestseller, Ariadne Oliver, a cherished old friend of the detective. She extends a curious offer, urging him to accompany her on a quest to put some ‘life back into his life.’

Meanwhile, Novelist Ariadne, a resolute skeptic of séances, invites Poirot to a palazzo, determined to expose the supposed medium for séances as she has done to other ones. She claimed that this medium Joyce Reynold is different from others hence the reason for Poirot. Inside the Palazzo, Mrs. Rowena Drake, the grief-stricken mother of Alicia Drake, who tragically took her own life after her fiancé abandoned her, seeks the assistance of the medium, Joyce Reynolds. Her fervent hope is to establish a connection with her departed daughter once more.

The séance took an unexpected turn as Poirot intervened; exposing the surprising revelation that Joyce had not one, but two assistants aiding her in her performance. In a dramatic twist, Joyce, still seated, began to spin in her chair and assumed the persona of Alicia, divulging a shocking truth that shattered the notion of suicide, revealing that the unfortunate girl had been forcefully thrown to her death. The séance, then abruptly terminated by Mrs. Reynolds, took an even darker turn as she was later discovered dead, impaled on a statue in the courtyard.

With these perplexing events unfolding, the detective found himself compelled to interrogate everyone present. However, his investigation took an eerie turn when he started experiencing hallucinations—he started seeing ghosts, and he started hearing sounds. The already complex situation escalated further as Poirot was now tasked with uncovering the identities of those who had attempted to kill him, the perpetrators behind Joyce’s demise, and the mystery surrounding Alicia Drake’s murder.

Wow! If you’re planning to watch this film, I highly recommend clearing away any distractions like your phone or snacks to fully immerse yourself in its essence. A Haunting in Venice boasts a star-studded cast and, while it doesn’t strictly adhere to the book, I must admit that this movie was an absolute blast. Before I spill any spoilers, let me give you a sneak peek into my thoughts.

I’m going to evaluate this purely as a standalone piece, setting aside any comparison to the source material. Nearly every character in this film left me thoroughly impressed, but considering they’re all A-list stars, anything less would have been a surprise. They skillfully conveyed emotions, built chemistry, and elevated the movie beyond the superficial, making it an above-average cinematic experience.

Although A Haunting in Venice predominantly unfolds within the confines of a closed building, our leading man Branagh (Poirot) consistently finds ingenious ways to remind you of the brilliance of this setting throughout the film. Tina Fey also delivered a commendable performance that left a strong impression on me. To delve into how each character impressed would be an endless list, so I’ll leave it at that.

Transitioning to the next aspect of the movie – let’s dive into its cinematography. “A Haunting in Venice” kicks off with some exquisite shots of Venice, and I found myself utterly captivated by the film’s visual allure. The depiction of Venice is nothing short of sensational, a feat one might say was practically guaranteed given the city’s inherent beauty. The way the camera weaves through the scenes, the angles it captures, and the focus it maintains all contribute to an atmosphere that is both evocative and appropriately mysterious. It perfectly sets the tone for the Halloween season, accomplishing this without gore or absurdity.

The music, auditory elements, and scores were more than just commendable; they played a crucial role in elevating this film. The CGI, while not mind-blowing, certainly held its own, providing a solid contribution. As for the makeup artist, their remarkable work truly transported these characters back to the ’90s, leaving a lasting impression.

The handling of the mystery within the film is commendable. I was entirely unfamiliar with the storyline, and it left me genuinely perplexed and deeply immersed in the film while all the secrets were being unveiled. Moreover, it manages to conjure a potent sense of haunting, tailor-made for the Halloween vibe. It keeps the audience guessing, offering plausible motivations for the crimes committed. All in all, a thoroughly enjoyable experience.

FUN FACT.

Did you know that the date chosen for the release of A Haunting in Venice – September 15, 2023, was Dame Agatha Christie’s 133rd birthday?

CONCLUSION.

“A Haunting in Venice” is a fun yet mysterious cinematic experience. Boasting splendid visuals, a compelling and engaging plot, and exceptional performances, this movie not only met but surpassed my expectations.

If you are a fan/lover of films filled with thrilling surprises, don’t miss out on this gem.

“A Haunting in Venice (2023)” is not just a film; it’s an invitation to a world where the enigma of the human soul unfolds amidst the backdrop of one of the world’s most enchanting cities.

This mesmerizing movie is rated PG-13 for some strong violence, disturbing images, and thematic elements. Catch it at your nearest cinema!

People also Read – Talk To Me (2023).

Images used in this work belongs to the respective movie and its copyright holders. We do not claim any legal rights or ownership over this image, and we appreciate the movie’s creators for sharing such a captivating visual.

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