by Shane Conto, Staff Writer
Who is ready for the return of Kenneth Branagh’s Hercule Poirot? Branagh took on Agatha Christie’s iconic detective a few years back with a sleek film that garnered mixed reviews, and many wondered if this franchise would go anywhere (especially with the distinct tease at the end of Murder on the Orient Express). But Death on the Nile moved forward and hit some unfortunate roadblocks along the way. Obviously, COVID did a number and caused some delays. But the buried nature of its release just might stem from the backlash against star Armie Hammer for cannibalism. Now February 2022 is here and so is Death on the Nile!
How does this mystery stand up to the previous entry in Branagh’s Poirot series? There are quite a few things that Branagh improved upon between films. The sleek and quality direction sticks around this time again. There is a sharpness with inspired camerawork that helps build tension. Branagh delivers some great tension throughout the film (some of which is elevated by some single-take filmmaking). The third act especially is full of tension and emotion. There are some struggles with the setup of the narrative and runtime — there is a clunky nature to the first act or so that messes with the pacing. The effects are also messy at times when trying to bring too large of a scale in the confines of this Egyptian setting.
How does Michael Green’s screenplay play out? The need for quality work and detail-oriented writing for a murder mystery is essential. There are a few reveals in the film that are genuinely shocking, which adds layers to what we had seen up to this point. The final reveal, though, might be a bit too telegraphed, leaving the impact a bit lesser. The backstory of Poirot and his emotional state are fleshed out in a meaningful way this time around. The characters (mostly) get time to shine, but some of them are a bit flat in their writing. The script is bogged down by some specific additions, leaving for a flawed environment. Some scenes are just exposition, but the film reveals sequences which are not full of action but still engaging. By the end, the emotional connection to these characters is what keeps this one afloat… on the Nile.
What about this stacked cast? Branagh is quirky, intense, and relatable in all of the best ways. Gal Gadot and Hammer are both attractive people, but they do not really add anything new or of interest to their film experience. Tom Bateman gets to shine with his raw energy and emotion, and his on-screen mother Annette Bening channels similar energy. Emma Mackey is a real standout as the ex-lover of Hammer and the former best friend of Gadot. She is charming and electric whenever she graces the screen. There are plenty of other actors, including Jennifer Saunders, Russell Brand, who handle their jobs well.
Does Branagh deliver some perfect classic whodunnit trappings while trying to offer up something new and exciting? Death on the Nile brings plenty of classic flair, but also modern sensibilities. Most of the mystery is interesting, and plenty of the cast deliver as fine performances. This might be the most emotion and meaning offered up in a film like this. There are flaws, but this is an engaging and fun experience. Check out Death on the Nile before it disappears from theaters!
Grade: B-
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