Director: Gilles Paquet-Brenner
Starring: Max Irons, Stefanie Martini, Glenn Close, Terence Stamp, Julian Sands, Gillian Anderson, Christina Hendricks
Running Time: 115 minutes
Synopsis: In 1950s England, Sophia Leonides (Stefanie Martini) asks private detective Charles Hayward (Max Irons) to investigate the death of her grandfather Aristide, a wealthy Greek tycoon. Sophia believes Aristide was poisoned, and the suspects include his new young wife and former Las Vegas showgirl Brenda (Christina Hendricks), his ex-sister-in-law Lady Edith (Glenn Close), his son Philip (Julian Sands), and daughter-in-law Magda (Gillian Anderson). Charles' investigation is complicated by memories of his brief wartime fling with Sophia, and growing interest in the case by Scotland Yard's Inspector Taverner (Terence Stamp).
What Works Well: This classy adaptation of the Agatha Christie whodunnit benefits from brisk pacing, lavish locations, and a colourful cast of suspects. As a relatively low-key but still astute investigator, Charles Hayward doggedly reveals a complex web of motives, conspiracies, illicit affairs, and interpersonal jealousies, casting suspicion in all directions. Even Aristide's younger grandchildren, the astute pre-teen Josephine (who observes and writes everything) and the cynical teenager Eustace (who is unafraid to ask the boldest questions), get involved in the machinations, along with their tutor.
What Does Not Work As Well: Too many characters within the Leonides mansion vie for the same screen time, and many have to settle for shorthand representations. Given the complexities within this family, the ending is rushed, and although the gather-all-the-suspects-in-a-room climactic scene is mercifully avoided, Charles' sleuthing efforts also don't amount to much.
Key Quote:
Josephine: The murderer is never the one you initially suspect.
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