A Haunting in Venice (2023)
The only haunting from this Poirot detective drama is my time wasted.
Presentation:
Shot on the Sony Venice, there is something I didn't like about this combination with Panavision lenses. Lighting is moody and there are a few nice shots with spooky lighting, though overall I wasn't a huge fan of the look when horror has such a high bar now. Tina Fey impresses as she expands her range. Poirot skepticism is competent but feels less impactful than previous films. Horror definitely fits this detective style much better, but lacks the suspense to pull it off.
Analysis:
Like typical Poirot films, you have the competent detective being challenged with a new case. I don't think at any point you really believe in the supernatural elements and it unnaturally forces you at the end to consider it. Characters aren't compelling and difficult to invest in as with a large cast, their backgrounds are mostly skipped over. The pacing is brutally fast with no time to actually contemplate the culprit, which is very unrewarding as the film interrogates one by one with not enough ambiguity to make it compelling. I personally think the ending was predictable and quite a let-down as the result feels rushed and boringly executed for the sake of a "twist".
Conclusion:
A shallow whodunnit but a good evolution for fans of Kenneth Branagh, but won't convert any new audiences. Ultimately an unrewarding script compared to other detective crime plots like Knives Out or even Murder on the Orient Express.
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Recommendations
If there was ever the case for why classic films are more cinematic.