Death on the Nile (2022) review

 

I really enjoyed Murder on The Orient Express back in 2017 so imagine my surprise and excitement when I learned that not only was Kenneth Branagh was returning as master detective Hercule Poiror but with Death on the Nile arguably the most famous of Agatha Christie's work was to be adapted and made for the big screen, but can it be a faithful and mystery filled turn of events. Death on the Nile opens up in the midst of World War I. It is here where we learn just why Poirot has such an extravagant mustache. It turns out he was badly injured with one side of his face being caught in a blast fro the enemy. Also in this flashback we learn of his one true love who perished in a very similar blast and how Poirot failed his Captain. It's an interesting start but it just all goes down hill from here as the following hour or so is boring, bland and drawn out to the fullest extent. The first hour is mainly reserved for character introductions as the tension sort of builds as each character makes their way to a boat that transports them across the River Nile. 

Now the story of Death on the Nile is pretty basic and standard stuff but it's the mystery of it all that makes it worth seeing. The cast is extremely strong too but rather disappointingly they don't really break a sweat. Gal Gadot and Armie Hammer who are a couple supposedly happily married they don't come across as such in any way. In fact the scenes they share are quite cringe worthy especially when things take a more erotic turn. It all plays into an ending that I was expecting to come along which was a shame. I even called it about half way through and low and behold I was correct, as for the rest of the cast including Annette Benning, Russel Brand and others they're all fine in their respective roles but that's about it..fine. Kenneth Branagh is the standout here again however his tone and delivery of his accent and dialogue is second to none. He really shines and has made this role his own. 

Death on the Nile isn't a bad movie by any means, visually it's stunning with Egypt and it's many vistas including the Pyramids on show. The outfit and costume design is spectacular with everyone dressed to nines in impeccable ways. Performance wise it's standard with twists and turns a plenty. But at the end of it all when the credits begin to roll you'll feel somewhat empty which is a shame. For such an iconic story I feel like Death on the Nile is a bit of a letdown. 

★★★