by Joyce Wang ’20, Staff Writer

Cast:  Kenneth Branagh, Penélope Cruz, Willem Dafoe, Judi Dench, Johnny Depp, Michelle Pfeiffer, Daisy Ridley, Josh Gad

Director: Kenneth Branagh

Synopsis: Kenneth Branagh leads and stars as the brilliant French detective Hercule Poirot in this murder mystery. Adapted from the novel by best-selling author Agatha Christie, Murder on the Orient Express tells the tale of thirteen strangers stranded on a train, where everyone’s a suspect in the murder of Ratchett, later known as Cassetti played by Johnny Depp. With the help of a case from the past, Poirot is able to reveal clues that lead him to the real culprit.

Review: The film has a similar vibe to that of the popular show Sherlock; both Holmes and Poirot are witty perfectionists fascinated in the art of crime and mystery and are characterized with unique habits and elements of humor to showcase their personalities. Good music and acting is always a bonus. Ultimately the unexpected climax and gorgeous cinematography beat out parts of dragging plot and disarrayed characterization.

The film is a reasonably faithful adaptation of Christie’s novel Murder on the Orient Express and the telling of the story remains similar to the original movie back in 1974. Detective Poirot is an experienced, witty detective who boards the Orient Express and encounters the murder of Ratchett, a dirty businessman who gains enemies by the day. With the help of an avalanche that stalls the Orient Express, and evidence such as a red kimono, a handkerchief and a conductor’s button, Poirot proceeds to find the culprit amongst the 12 suspects on the train. The film builds an extensive review of the detective’s character but then fails to fully develop any of the other characters stories and personalities throughout the rest of the film. The lack of characterization interrupts the flow of solving the case and reduces the impact of an otherwise thrilling climax when the culprit is finally revealed. Several plot details are added to the film such as a secondary stabbing, a chase through the trestles of an alpine bridge, a fight and a gunshot wound, dramatizing the murder plot and engaging the audience’s attentiveness. The scenes were also filmed skillfully, utilizing cinematographic technique and details such as camera angles, color and composition. The acting also kept to a usual high standard. But the additions were unnecessary to the overall plot of the story and took away time for the film to delve into the characterization of some characters, disappointing the audience that expected extensive use of the star studded cast.

The film used modern film technology to present an eye-catching setting and perspective that maximized the impact of each scene. The superior acting of the cast contributed to the success of telling the story. Furthermore, with the foundation of such a gripping and suspenseful story, the film was able to provide a visually pleasing presentation that entertained fans of the novel and mystery genre followers. For people into suspense and mystery, I definitely recommend this film; the murder mystery is unique and the culprit is too.

Overall, Murder on the Orient Express handled its story well. Building upon the benefits of a visual representation that included beautiful scenery, varied camera angles, thematic music and superior acting, the film utilized the element of humor to engage the audience and interactions between characters to reveal essential morals of the story. Despite some parts of the story being messy and abbreviated, the film’s grade might be 7-8 out of 10, better as it nears the end when the culprit is revealed. I recommend watching the movie first before reading the book to maximize audience engagement and the element of surprise.