Murder on the Orient Express (2017) Review

This all-star cast brings to life one of Agatha Christie’s most beloved murder mysteries, in a sleek, modern retelling of Murder on the Orient Express. image via pinterest

Agatha Christie’s most popular detective, Hercule Poirot, is summoned to London to help solve a crime—but on his way there, a murder takes place on his train.

Suddenly, he is thrust into an investigation that seems laden with red herrings. The scene itself feels staged. The clues left behind, too obvious—and lead to too many suspects. And, the characters themselves all seem to be hiding something—the question is, what.

When he discovers a connection to the past kidnapping and murder of a child, the plot certainly thickens, with all clearly not as it seems on this luxury train.

Fans of Agatha Christie, and those who love a good murder mystery, will find much to enjoy here. With a host of interesting characters—and brilliantly rendered caricatures—the film feels like a wonderfully rich game of Cluedo.

The costumes are delightful, and the train itself evokes a simpler, more decadent time, when such forms of travel were indulged in by the upper classes. (A far cry from the airports of today.)

When your cast includes Dame Judy Dench, Michelle Pfeiffer, Kenneth Branagh, Penélope Cruz, Willem Dafoe, and many, many more, it’s hard not to be excited. Daisy Ridley, who is best known for her work in the new Star Wars trilogy, shows she has real depth, and the story itself (while well known by book readers) carries enough intrigue and suspense to keep you engaged.

Kenneth Branagh takes on both the famous detective and the role of director, but thankfully excels at both. His Poirot is sharp, funny and just eccentric enough.

All in all, this classic murder mystery is a fun ride—both for the occupants of the train and the audience. Enjoy.