Under the lens takes a deep look at films and TV by focusing in on one or two particular areas of the picture or episode that helped to define it for better or for worse. Spoilers will be included in this review.
Death on the Nile is a neo-noir mystery drama and a direct sequel to Murder on the Orient Express, both directed by Kenneth Branagh, and stars Kenneth Branagh, Gal Gadot, and Armie Hammer, amongst others. The plot follows Belgian sleuth Hercule Poirot’s vacation aboard a glamorous river steamer turns into a terrifying search for a murderer when a picture-perfect couple’s idyllic honeymoon is tragically cut short.
UNDER THE LENS: LORE AND RUNTIME
Gal Gadot: Gal Gadot crackles in the role of seductive and clever heiress, Linnet Ridgeway. While watching Gadot I could not help but be reminded of the starlets of the Golden Age of Hollywood, Gal managed to bring not only the sensuous and beautiful side of Ridgway to life but also her vulnerable and fearful part as well. One scene, in particular, is when Linnet Ridgeway goes to Poirot and confides that she does not feel safe and that she is surrounded by those who are jealous of and hate her. It’s a sad moment, that shows the heiress is truly alone, and that Poirot may be the only person she can trust. Overall I was impressed with Gal Gadot whose acting has been improving with every role she takes on.
Development: One of the most controversial aspects of this picture is the decision to have its first murder be near the midway point of the narrative. I was unsure if this would work, but found that it made the picture much stronger, for the first half of the story the script allows us to get to know the victim, we see her laugh, cry, and love. We see her as a whole person, which makes her death all the more tragic, due to the lateness of her murder, I was much more invested in the investigation to find her killer since I had grown to love her over the first 60 minutes of the picture. This was a bold move but one that in the end paid off I think, as it made the climax all the tenser.
HIGHLIGHTS
The steamship is a gorgeous set that truly brings the story to life
Armie Hammer perfectly plays the role of Simon Doyle, dashing and rugged, he is the man every woman wants.
Hercule Poirot is given some great character development, and we find out his mustache is actually much more than just a fashion statement.
SOMETHING TO THINK ABOUT
Like Hercule Poirot have you ever used a fashion or style choice to cover up some kind of insecurity?
CONCLUSION
Overall Death on the Nile is a magnificent costume drama, its main focus may be the solving of a deadly series of killings, yet there is much more going on beneath the surface. The picture delivers on the promise of a great whodunit, while also letting us get to know the various characters who populate this story, by the time the credits rolled I was thoroughly invested in these people. That being said Death on the Nile does suffer from some over stylized CGI, and an awkward sex scene in the ruins of a tomb, however these are small issues that don’t take away from the picture. So check it out, its well worth your time.
