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Not only are the twists and turns far less familiar to even the most avid fans of the crime drama but the action is transposed to the Italian capital with plenty of narrative tweaks along the way.<\/p>\n
Whodunnit purists might take offense at the brazen artistic license on display, but this brand-new story makes for edge-of-your-seat viewing.<\/p>\n
Along for the ride is crime author Ariadne Oliver (played by Tina Fey), spiritual medium Joyce Reynolds (Michelle Yeoh) and troubled doctor Leslie Ferrier (Jamie Dornan).<\/p>\n
Don’t miss… <\/strong> We use your sign-up to provide content in ways you’ve consented to and to improve our understanding of you. This may include adverts from us and 3rd parties based on our understanding. You can unsubscribe at any time. More info<\/p>\n Yellowstone\u2019s Kelly Reilly also takes a break from cowboy antics as Rowena Drake, who instigates the mystery by organizing a s\u00e9ance in her supposedly haunted palazzo.<\/p>\n Plus, young star Jude Hill, who shone in Branagh\u2019s previous directorial effort Belfast, is another standout here as Leslie\u2019s Edgar Allan Poe-obsessed son, channeling The Omen\u2019s demonic child Damien with a spoonful of empathy.<\/p>\n Horror comparisons are apt for Haunting in Venice, as Branagh goes unashamedly Scooby Doo for his Poirot\u2019s first foray into the supernatural.<\/p>\n Featuring the \u2018ghosts\u2019 of orphaned children, secret passages and shadow puppets, Rowena\u2019s crumbling abode creaks against the banks of the Venice canals and immediately finds a place in the haunted house Hall of Fame.<\/p>\n It\u2019s also pretty much the only location in the entire film, as Poirot and the guests are forced to endure a night amongst the spirits until the mystery is resolved.<\/p>\n A single, claustrophobic setting thankfully means this latest entry lacks the green-screened vistas and pointless narrative detours of the previous films.<\/p>\n Unlike the Orient Express or the Nile\u2019s cruise ship, real history is felt around every shadowy corner and peeling wall of Rowena\u2019s crooked home, while chilling flashbacks are instrumental to the unfolding enigma.<\/p>\n This stripped-back approach is Haunting\u2026\u2019s real strength, as the movie never strays too far from what Christie fans have come to expect from the acclaimed TV specials starring David Suchet.<\/p>\n A tight mystery, plenty of twists and a cast having the time of their lives is all Poirot needs to deliver top-drawer thrills – it\u2019s just a shame Branagh didn\u2019t figure this out earlier.<\/p>\n
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