Death On The Nile
Image Source: The Guardian

Movie: Death On The Nile
Distributor: 20th Century Studios
Production Companies: TSG Entertainment, Scott Free Productions, Kinberg Genre & Mark Gordon Pictures
Director: Kenneth Branagh
Producers: Kenneth Branagh, Ridley Scott, Judy Hofflund & Kevin J. Walsh
Writers: Agatha Christie, Kenneth Branagh, Michael Green
Main Cast: Kenneth Branagh, Gal Gadot, Letitia Wright, Russell Brand, Dawn French, Tom Bateman, Annette Bening, Ali Fazal, Jennifer Saunders
Release Date: February 11 2022 (UK)
Running Time: 127 Minutes
Certificate: 12A

Following the events of Murder on the Orient Express comes Death On The Nile. Directed by Kenneth Branagh, we follow supersleuth Hercules Poirot on his quest to solve yet another murder mystery. With great performances all round by Kenneth Branagh, Gal Gadot, Letitia Wright and Annette Bening. The film has suffered at the box office. Controversial allegations surrounding Armie Hammer, who strangely wasn’t dropped from the movie, could be the cause. Let’s take a look at what this take on Agatha Christie’s classic is all about…

Death On The Nile

Synopsis Of Death On The Nile

The film begins with a flashback to WWI, where we find a young Hercule Poirot (Kenneth Branagh) saving his fellow soldiers from a certain death, using his sharp analytical mind. Unfortunately, Poirot is unable to save his Captain from a tripwire device, which leaves our protagonist facially scarred. This flashback solely seems to serve the purpose of being an origin story for his moustache.

Jumping forward to 1937, we find Poirot in a London befriending a few faces. Socialising over drinks and an array of desserts, Poirot is instantly recognized for being the world-famous detective he is. Six weeks later, he travels to Egypt, where the rest of the film takes place. Reconnecting with old partner, Bouc (Tom Bateman) and his mother Euphemia (Annette Bening), Poirot is invited to a honeymoon cruise along the Nile.

The newlyweds Simon (Armie Hammer) and Linnet (Gal Gadot) seem to be enjoying a luxuriously lavish lifestyle. Everything turns sour when ex-girlfriend Jaqueline De Bellefort (Emma Mackay) appears to attempt to rekindle Simon’s love. Linnet is outraged by the entire charade. She commands the boat to sail back up the Nile so they can return to America in peace.

Murder Mystery

One evening, Linnet returns to bed after teasing Jacqueline over her new stolen husband. Jaqueline shoots Simon in the leg after they confront each other over the new relationship. The following morning, Louise (Rose Leslie) finds Linnet dead in bed. Yet no one knows who the killer could be. Immediately we see Hercule Poirot, spring into action, doing what he does best. Solve a murder case. Poirot doesn’t hold back in revealing their possible motives. Everyone is subject to interrogation. So, we discover that each suspect definitely had a motive for the murder. Furthermore, the deceased left behind a huge fortune. Every suspect could have their eyes on it.

Euphemia discovers the stolen necklace in her cabin. Poirot deduces this was a diversion tactic. but does this add to her suspicion? Poirot attempts to reconcile the tensions between Bouc, his love interest, Rosalie (Letitia Wright) and Euphemia (who does not wish to give the young couple her blessing). Soon enough, Poirot finds yet another body. The latest victim is Louise Bourget (Rose Leslie). So, did she know something about our killer? What would be the reasoning behind her murder?

Bouc and Poirot focus on another round of interrogations. Will they actually discover the killer? No one seems to be safe. When Bouc suddenly realises the truth during an interrogation, our killer fires another shot. Sadly, Bouc then dies and Poirot loses his best friend and accomplice. Consequently, Poirot will do all he can to solve this mystery. So, all the remaining passengers gather at the bar, and Poirot closes in to make his final statement. Finally revealing who is behind the string of murders aboard the S.S. Karnak…

Analysis Of Death On The Nile

Filming during a pandemic must be difficult, never mind the idea of actually travelling to Egypt to film an entire production. So, it’s of no surprise that this film heavily features scenes created with CGI in place. Saying that, considering the amount of money financed towards this film budget (£90 million), the CGI is severely lacking. So, it comes across as extremely cheap and straight out of a video-game loading screen. Furthermore, I think more could have been done in recreating Egypt.

Summary Of Death On The Nile

The film’s ending is satisfactory, but you will feel like you have been spoon-fed the narrative at times. Although Kenneth Branagh certainly pulls off another great performance as the great Hercule Poirot, Death On The Nile is a very standard murder mystery which honestly won’t leave you very impressed.

Notes

Target Audience: 12+
Content: Strong Language & Moderate Violence
Recommendation?: No

Overall Rating: 5/10 – Average

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