A Haunting in Venice - ©Walt Disney Co./Courtesy Evere

By: Paloma Far (Grade 6)

Are you keen on murder mysteries? If so, you have definitely heard of Agatha Christie. It was Hallowe’en Party, one of her books, which inspired A Haunting in Venice, a 2023 film my English teacher took me to watch. It was produced and directed by Kenneth Branagh, who also plays the Belgian detective Hercule Poirot, the protagonist.

The film is set posterior to the World Wars in Venice, where Hercule is methodically living in retirement. That is until the author Ariadne Oliver presents him a challenging invitation to attend a Halloween Party at Rowena Drake’s (famous opera singer) presumingly haunted palazzo, and afterwards a séance to expose the medium Joyce Reynolds as a fraud. For the viewers, things take a turn for the better when one is found dead. It is now Poirot’s mission to uncover who, out of the 9 remaining guests, is the murderer.

It is a catchy film with a rather interesting plot. Although some of the actor’s performances were somehow disappointing, Kenneth Branagh’s could not have been more assertive. He perfectly portrays Hercule Poirot’s methodical personality and accent. Throughout the whole investigation I found myself immersed in the world-renowned detective’s mind, doubting whether I could really trust my senses. Furthermore, the soundtrack was clearly carefully selected in order to thoroughly suit each scene of the movie.

All in all, if kept in mind how loosely A Haunting in Venice is based on Agatha Christie’s book, the fun is guaranteed. Regardless, if you are looking for some suspense and jumpscares, this film is a fine choice.

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