Death on the Nile - It's Fine

 

Streaming on Hulu and HBO Max 

For purchase on Amazon, Apple TV, Google Play, and YouTube

    In 2017, renowned thespian and director Kenneth Branagh released a new adaptation of the classic murder mystery story, Murder on the Orient Express. It was a fun and entertaining take on the classic tale that reminded us why we love it when Kenneth Branagh is allowed to play with his toys and fellow actors. Kenneth Branagh has a fun and unusual energy with his direction that few others can match. His follow-up (today's subject) was slated to release shortly afterward, only to be rudely interrupted and constantly postponed by the pandemic. Fast forward five years, his next film in the series had finally reached our screens, and while it is still full of Branagh's charm and energy, it's mysteriously lacking a certain je ne sais quoi. It's not bad nor great; it's just fine. Which, coming from Kenneth Branagh, is a bit disappointing. 

     Based on the novel by Agatha Christie, the story follows the great detective Hercule Poirot (Kenneth Branagh) on a trip through Egypt, visiting the sites and tasting the fine deserts. He runs into a newlywed couple who approaches him for help on their honeymoon. The bride, a wealthy socialite, named Linnet (Gal Gadot), is worried that her husband's ex-girlfriend is stalking them and maybe even planning to do something dreadful. As part of their improvised plan to evade their stalker, she and her husband rent a river cruise boat and bring their friends along for the ride. However, the stalker has found her way aboard, and sure enough, a murder is committed that night. Now, Poirot must solve the case before more blood is shed on the deck. 

    Most of the film is pretty good. The acting is superb, the direction is energetic and smooth, the writing is primarily sharp, and the cinematography is gorgeous. There's not much to dislike about the film, yet something about it simply doesn't feel complete. Maybe it's the timing of the film's release, or perhaps it's because the mystery isn't nuanced, but something about the film fails to provide a profound impression. With the possible exception of the subplot about Poirot's mustache, not much can be said about the film's impact. 

    Death on the Nile is an excellent film that provides a generous amount of entertainment value with not too much else. While it is absolutely worth your time and a fun watch, I can't say it's the most extraordinary murder mystery thriller Kenneth Branagh has ever made. That distinction remains with Dead Again. 

    Give it a shot. 

Ladies & gentlemen, I am TheNorm; thank you all for reading.