Kenneth Branagh Delivers A Halloween Treat In 'A Haunting In Venice'

HOLLYWOOD, CA — Kenneth Branagh brings another Agatha Christie novel to life in “A Haunting in Venice,” his third collaboration with writer Michael Green following “Death on the Nile” and “Murder on the Orient Express.”

Based on the prolific author’s detective fiction, “The Hallowe’en Party,” Branagh's third go-round once again turns the spotlight on the mustachioed Belgian detective Hercule Poirot — played by the filmmaker — to solve a whodunnit mystery. Whereas the 1969 novel takes place in Britain, the film adaptation, also directed and produced by Branagh, transports audiences to the picturesque city of Venice in 1947 with Poirot unhappily retired.

But it will not be long before he springs back into action when American mystery writer Ariadne Oliver (Tina Fey) invites the illustrious sleuth to the Halloween party of an affluent British socialite named Rowena Drake (Kelly Reilly).

His challenge? Poirot will have to determine if Mrs. Reynolds (Michelle Yeoh) truly possesses psychic powers. During the event, the spiritualist will be performing a séance to summon the spirit of Alicia, Rowena’s dead daughter who committed suicide. Of course, Ariadne has the ulterior motive of looking for her next bestseller. And she thinks that it would be a much juicier story if it turns out to be a ruse.

Hesitantly, the world-famous investigator attends the soiree with a slight interest. Naturally, as rational as he is, the man does not believe in supernatural beings. But then out of the blue— you guessed it — a reveler is found dead, forcing Poirot to solve the mystery.

With his investigative mustache seemingly more curled up than usual, he warns his suspects not to leave the premises: Dr. Leslie Ferrier (Jamie Dornan), a traumatized wartime field surgeon; his son Leopold (Jude Hill); Rowena’s caretaker, Olga Seminoff (Camille Cottin); Reynold’s assistants, Romani refugees Nicholas and Desdemona. Of course, we cannot forget Ariadne, Rowena or the ghosts believed to be haunting the eerie mansion.

It is best for us not to tell you the rest of the story, as this is a no-spoiler review. As always, Poirot solves the jigsaw puzzle in the end. Could the ghosts be the culprit? You might find the reason behind the mystery wildly illogical-yet-fascinating.

See it.

The entire ensemble shine with captivating performances, all while delightfully immersing audiences in atmospheric terror against the backdrop of stormy weather. Besides, we can only but admire Branagh's deft direction.