Jacked In Reviews 'Death on the Nile' (2022)

This week Jacked In’s, Jack attended Tyneside Cinema’s classic screen to view the adaptation for Agatha Christie’s even more classic novel, Death on the Nile.

After opening on a black and white battlefield, we get a bit of history which adds some tragedy to the quirks for this interpretation of Hercule Poirot (Kenneth Branagh). And also – not something we thought we needed – a backstory for his signature moustache! And with that, we’re off as Branagh’s sequel finds the Belgian detective in Egypt. Little does he know, after embarking on a luxurious cruise down the infamous Nile, it seems he is about to be presented with his latest investigation when a young heiress is murdered.

Although the setting has changed from an express to a steamer, Death on the Nile is just as intimate as the previous instalment. It was enjoyable seeing a new cast breathe fresh life into these classic characters but still felt that our new group of suspects somewhat lacked a specific identity. In saying that, Brannagh’s return as the man himself, was still an enjoyable performance, bringing a slight intensity to the character once again. Gal Gadot slides into her role as the glamorous Linnet Ridgeway effortlessly, opposite Armie Hammer as her manly man of a husband, Simon Doyle. Not to mention some delightful guest appearances from the likes of Russell Brand and the return of the comedic duo French and Saunders.

The locations in which Christie sets her novels have since gone on to inspire numerous types of murder mystery events over the years (namely trains and cruises). They could be said to play just as big a part in the stories themselves, adding to the overall ambience. Unfortunately, this is where the movie fell short, with constant CGI effects/backdrops throughout, the feature lacked a certain authenticity, leaving you feeling slightly detached from the plot.

Worth a watch for those who love a good murder mystery. After all, Poirot is a staple in the world of the whodunnit subgenre. A few nice changes here and there that definitely brought something new to the tale, but as far as this adaptation goes, it falls short compared to that of its predecessor and is average at best.