Director: Gilles Paquet-Brenner
Starring: Max Irons, Stefanie Martini, Glenn Shut, Terence Stamp, Julian Sands, Gillian Anderson, Christina Hendricks
Operating Time: 115 minutes
Synopsis: In Fifties England, Sophia Leonides (Stefanie Martini) asks personal detective Charles Hayward (Max Irons) to analyze the demise of her grandfather Aristide, a rich Greek tycoon. Sophia believes Aristide was poisoned, and the suspects embody his new younger spouse and former Las Vegas showgirl Brenda (Christina Hendricks), his ex-sister-in-law Girl Edith (Glenn Shut), his son Philip (Julian Sands), and daughter-in-law Magda (Gillian Anderson). Charles’ investigation is difficult by reminiscences of his temporary wartime fling with Sophia, and rising curiosity within the case by Scotland Yard’s Inspector Taverner (Terence Stamp).
What Works Effectively: This elegant adaptation of the Agatha Christie whodunnit advantages from brisk pacing, lavish areas, and a vibrant solid of suspects. As a comparatively low-key however nonetheless astute investigator, Charles Hayward doggedly reveals a posh net of motives, conspiracies, illicit affairs, and interpersonal jealousies, casting suspicion in all instructions. Even Aristide’s youthful grandchildren, the astute pre-teen Josephine (who observes and writes all the pieces) and the cynical teenager Eustace (who’s unafraid to ask the boldest questions), get entangled within the machinations, together with their tutor.
What Does Not Work As Effectively: Too many characters inside the Leonides mansion vie for a similar display screen time, and plenty of should accept shorthand representations. Given the complexities inside this household, the ending is rushed, and though the gather-all-the-suspects-in-a-room climactic scene is mercifully prevented, Charles’ sleuthing efforts additionally do not quantity to a lot.
Key Quote:
Josephine: The assassin isn’t the one you initially suspect.
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