Netflix has solidified its position as a leading platform for engaging murder mystery films, with the Knives Out franchise among its standout offerings. Fans of the genre are in for a treat as the streaming giant prepares to release a brand-new film, The Thursday Murder Club. This highly anticipated murder mystery is based on the bestselling novel by British television presenter Richard Osman, and it has the potential to launch its own franchise, much like Knives Out. Notably, this film is inspired by a series that is growing in popularity, with Osman's fifth novel, The Impossible Fortune, set to hit shelves later this year.
As the release date approaches—scheduled for August 28—The Thursday Murder Club has already garnered impressive critical acclaim, boasting a near-perfect 93% approval score on Rotten Tomatoes. Initially, the film debuted with an impeccable score of 100%, which has since adjusted slightly as additional reviews have come in. Currently, the film has received 14 reviews, only one of which is negative, indicating strong early support from critics. At the moment, no audience score is available, as the film has yet to premiere on Netflix.
Collider's Maggie Lovit emphasizes the film's straightforward narrative, suggesting that some viewers may solve the mystery before the big reveal. She notes that this simplicity allows audiences to concentrate on the ensemble cast, making The Thursday Murder Club a delightful addition to the cozy murder mystery genre. In her review, Lovit describes the film as a "charmingly delightful movie" that successfully avoids the pitfalls often associated with the genre.
Rachel Labonte from ScreenRant points out that while the film takes liberties with the source material, particularly regarding the ending, it maintains a sense of intrigue that keeps viewers entertained. She praises the talented cast and acknowledges that even those familiar with the book will find enjoyment in the film's journey.
Similarly, Julian Roman from MovieWeb highlights the remarkable chemistry among the cast and a cleverly-written script that keeps the humor flowing, even when the narrative feels a bit overstuffed. He particularly commends Naomi Ackie, noting that she nearly steals the show amidst such an illustrious ensemble.
On the other hand, Nicholas Brooks from CBR celebrates the film's ability to infuse personality into the mystery genre, praising both the lead and supporting cast. He concludes that the actors bring decades of experience to their roles, making The Thursday Murder Club a standout cozy mystery.
The only dissenting voice comes from The Telegraph's Robbie Collin, who criticizes the adaptation as a "nefariously lazy" interpretation of the source material. He argues that the film fails to capture the essence of Osman's writing, resulting in a lackluster parody of a whodunnit.
With acclaimed director Chris Columbus, known for the Harry Potter series, at the helm and Amblin Entertainment spearheading production, The Thursday Murder Club boasts an impressive cast. The film features Dame Helen Mirren as Elizabeth, Pierce Brosnan as Ron, Sir Ben Kingsley as Ibrahim, and Celia Imrie as Joyce. The ensemble also includes notable talent such as Naomie Ackie, Daniel Mays, Tom Ellis, Jonathan Pryce, David Tennant, and Richard E. Grant.
Interestingly, Richard Osman has defended Brosnan's casting choice, even though the character of Ron Richie differs significantly from the actor's public persona. Described in the novel as a former union activist with a quick temper, Ron is resourceful and loyal but also impulsive. Many fans initially fancast Ray Winstone for the role, but Osman argues that Brosnan is an intriguing and fitting choice for the character. He notes that "Pierce Brosnan is who Ron would choose to play Ron," highlighting the character's admiration for Brosnan's portrayal of James Bond.
As anticipation builds for the premiere of The Thursday Murder Club on Netflix, it's clear that this film could become a beloved addition to the murder mystery genre, potentially paving the way for more adaptations from the Thursday Murder Club series. Mark your calendars for August 28 for what promises to be an entertaining and engaging cinematic experience.
