Murder On The Orient Express – Film Review

Murder on the Orient Express is a mystery crime drama film based on the novel of the same name by Agatha Christie. The story follows obsessive-compulsive detective, Hercule Poirot who despite being desperate to go on holiday, is requested in London to help solve a case.

Hercule Poirot’s friend Bouc, the director of the long-distance passenger train The Orient Express, offers Poirot free passage on his train to London which Poirot gladly accepts. In this film, Bouc promises his friend that his train will be ‘free of crime’, but alas, we know this is not the case.

Poirot finds himself on a free three-day trip to London with a curious set of people; a train owner, a conductor, a governess, a widow, a missionary, a gangster, a salesman, a professor, a countess, a count, a maid, an assistant, a butler, a doctor, and a princess. When an avalanche stops the train in its tracks and a body is found dead, Detective Poirot finds his skills needed to solve a case that occurred right outside his cabin room.

If you have already seen one of the many variations of Murder On The Orient Express as it has been adapted and remade several times in 1974, 2001, 2010, and 2015, you already know the answer to the classic whodunit. There are few new features that the 2017 film offers as it respectfully stays true to the original Agatha Christie storyline. However, Kenneth Branagh is renowned for creating wonderful remakes and Murder On The Orient Express is no exception. The film has beautifully clever cinematography, stylish costumes, lavish sets and a diverse talented ensemble cast consisting of Judi Dench, Michelle Pfeiffer, Willem Dafoe, Penelope Cruz, Tom Bateman, Josh Gad, Leslie Odom Jr., Daisy Ridley, Johnny Depp and Derek Jacobi.

Kenneth Branagh is the true hero of Murder On The Orient Express playing triple threat; actor, director and producer to the film. Despite the all-star cast, the film never steers away from him. It is genuinely joyful watching Kenneth Branagh work his magic.

The 2017 remake of Murder On The Orient Express, although more playful than frightful, is a wonderful introduction into the world of Agatha Christie. The film offers a nostalgic experience in an era where cases were solved not with forensic science, but with pure wit. I was so excited to see this film as I love a good murder mystery and Murder On The Orient Express fulfilled my expectations and desires with flying colours. I was overjoyed and in awe with how an 83-year-old story could still be so compelling, yet also feel modern and refreshing. I highly recommend a viewing of this film, especially if you haven’t seen a variation of Murder On The Orient Express before.

There is nothing more wonderfully satisfying than seeing a film and unveiling its story for the first time, then being mind-blown by the big reveal at the end.