This weekend, the biggest new hit didn’t originate from theaters; instead, it emerged directly from Netflix. While Darren Aronofsky's Caught Stealing and the highly-anticipated The Roses, starring Benedict Cumberbatch and Olivia Colman, made waves upon their debuts, the long-awaited adaptation of Richard Osman’s The Thursday Murder Club has truly stolen the spotlight. Upon its release, the film skyrocketed to the top of Netflix’s global charts, quickly establishing itself as one of the platform’s most successful late-summer launches.
Directed by Chris Columbus, known for iconic films such as Home Alone and Mrs. Doubtfire, and produced under the esteemed Amblin Entertainment banner founded by Steven Spielberg, The Thursday Murder Club boasts a stellar cast. The film features a quirky quartet of retirees led by Ron Ritchie (played by Pierce Brosnan), Ibrahim Arif (Sir Ben Kingsley), Elizabeth Best (Dame Helen Mirren), and Joyce Meadowcroft (Celia Imrie). Adding to the film's allure are David Tennant, Naomi Ackie, Tom Ellis, Daniel Mays, and a host of other familiar British faces. This impressive cast has already led Netflix subscribers to label it one of the best ensembles and most enjoyable films of the year.
For Pierce Brosnan, this film marks a reunion with his MobLand co-stars, Mirren and Geoff Bell, creating a delightful contrast to their more intense roles in that series. As 2025 approaches, it appears to be a standout year for Brosnan, both in television and streaming platforms.
Early reviews for The Thursday Murder Club have been overwhelmingly positive. Currently, the film holds an impressive 81% critics’ score on Rotten Tomatoes, with reviewers praising its blend of humor, heart, and mystery. Collider’s Maggie Lovitt commended it as “all the best parts of British mysteries” rolled into one, awarding the movie a near-perfect score of 9/10. She emphasized how the film smartly utilizes the strengths of its older cast, ensuring they are not relegated to mere background roles. Lovitt noted, “The film may not reinvent the wheel or do anything particularly groundbreaking, but it does draw attention to the fact that Hollywood has largely forgotten that actors in their ‘twilight years’ are still fully capable of leading ensemble casts and delivering memorable performances that aren’t solely defined by being a younger character’s parent.”
She further remarked that the film combines the best elements of Only Murders in the Building and Book Club, making it a delightful watch. Lovitt urged Netflix to expedite the adaptation of the next four novels in Osman’s series, indicating a strong desire among fans for more content. For now, viewers can stream The Thursday Murder Club exclusively on Netflix.
