Movie Breakdown: Death On The Nile

Pre-Screening Stance:

Kenneth Branagh’s Murder on the Orient Express was pretty good fun, so I don’t have any reason to not look forward to Death on the Nile. Although, I have to admit my enthusiasm is lessened a bit by a cast that features Armie Hammer, Letitia Wright, and Gal Gadot.

Post-Screening Ramble:

Death on the Nile is a step below Murder on the Orient Express, but I liked it. For those that haven’t seen the 1978 movie or read the book, the story follows super sleuth Hercule Poirot (Kenneth Branagh) as he attempts to enjoy his vacation in Egypt. Because he’s him though, it isn’t long before he gets tangled up in a murder mystery. A super wealthy woman, Lynette (Gal Gadot), has been killed, her brand new husband, Simon (Armie Hammer), has been shot, and there’s a whole slew of people in the wedding party (and one outside of it) that could have done it. Also, they’re on a boat in the middle of the Nile.

One of the things that really works in Death on the Nile is Branagh. The guys seems to love playing Hercule Poirot, and it’s his performance that carries the movie. This isn’t to say everyone else isn’t any good – they are – but Branagh so greatly embodies the character’s quirks and genius that you can’t wait to see whatever he’s going to do or say next. Where the film stumbles a bit though – weirdly – is also with Poirot. There are a ton of interrogation scenes, which certainly provide Branagh the room he needs to show off, but outside of those, there’s not much detecting and investigating to be had. In my opinion, this takes away some of the fun of it all, as the reveals come off more like exposition dumps and don’t really have any “wow” factor. Does this mean you shouldn’t see it? No, but a lowering of expectations would be a good move here.

Death on the Nile hits theaters this Friday, February 11.

One Last Thought:

Casting Armie Hammer as a sex-crazed character really didn’t age well.