The Super Powered Fancast

Death on the Nile

20^th Century Studios

Written by Michael Green from the novel by Agatha Christie

Directed by Kenneth Branagh

Starring Kenneth Branagh, Gal Gadot, Tom Bateman, Annette Bening, Russell Brand, Sophie Okonedo, Letitia Wright, Rose Leslie, Jenifer Saunders, Dawn French, Ali Fazal, Rose Leslie, Emma Mackey and Armie Hammer

Rated PG-13

Belgian sleuth Hercule Poirot’s (Kenneth Branagh) spectacular Egyptian vacation aboard a river boat becomes a terrifying search for a murderer after a picture-perfect couple’s honeymoon is cut tragically short.

Hercule Poirot is back for another case of murder and mystery in the follow up to the 2017 adaptation of Agatha Christie’s Murder on the Orient Express. This time, Poirot finds himself in a situation where there are secrets among secrets and everyone is a suspect.

There is a bit of a back story in the beginning of the film that fleshes out the unknown history of Hercule Poirot and showcases a lot of the action that the rest of the film’s understated pacing won’t have. Branagh returns as both director and star of the film and there visual style and look of the opening sequence if reminiscent of his work as director of Henry V as well as his latest turn behind the camera Belfast which uses the same black and white motif. It’s a beautiful looking sequence that gives emotional context to the character and his mannerisms.

When the scene shifts back to London in the late 30’s, Branagh uses a series of wonderful transitions and shots to introduce characters as well as set the tone and mood of the film using jazz as a wonderful aesthetic. That tone continues to Egypt where Branagh’s Poirot is introduced to more characters that each have their own moments of silent introduction that tease the mysteries Poirot will uncover as they sail down the Nile river and a series of murders interrupts what is supposed to be a honeymoon trip.

Branagh has surrounded himself with fantastic actors to bring this story to life. Sophie Okonedo stands out with a performance that is captivating every time she is on screen and the scenes between her character Salome and Branagh’s Poirot are magnificent. The rest of the cast delivers great performances as well with some stronger than others. Gal Gadot definitely brings charm and timeless beauty to the film, but her performance was often wooden when she wasn’t showcasing the fear her character was feeling.

The mystery is brilliantly paced and anyone who had not read the original novel will be pleased with not having their hand held as Michael Green’s script puts you alongside the detective as he uncovers the clues and notes the subtle behavioral changes that bring him to confront the murderer.

Death on the Nile is an opulent, stylish and beautiful looking murder mystery that brings the viewer on a journey with its characters as it keeps you guessing. The story is fun, filled with passion and has moments of great emotion as well. As a fan of Branagh, Agatha Christie and murder mystery, I would love to see Poirot return for another adventure.

Death on the Nile is currently available on Digital and 4K Ultra HD™, Blu-ray™ and DVD on April 5.