‘A Haunting in Venice’ Review – Fails To Scare But The Mystery Is A Bit Mad

Synopsis: Set in eerie, post-World War II Venice on All Hallows’ Eve, “A Haunting in Venice” is a terrifying mystery featuring the return of the celebrated sleuth, Hercule Poirot. Now retired and living in self-imposed exile in the world’s most glamorous city, Poirot reluctantly attends a séance at a decaying, haunted palazzo. When one of the guests is murdered, the detective is thrust into a sinister world of shadows and secrets.

What does it mean for something to be real? Does it mean you can touch it? Does it mean you can taste it or smell it? Can it be something that you merely believe in or something you perceive? Can we rely on old tales or hearsay? Or is everything an illusion and the possibility of the supernatural being an actuality is more conceivable than ever? You can believe what you want but we may never know.

“I have lost my faith.”

Just when you thought the accent couldn’t get any thicker, an invitation is sent and retirement may no longer be an option. Directed by Kenneth Branagh, A Haunting in Venice fails to scare but the mystery is a bit mad. Feeling ripped from the pages, this novel-based film begins with an opening scene that you can almost hear being described in great detail. From its beautiful setting, and distinctive wardrobe, to the unmistakable character features, Agatha Christie’s Hallowe’en Party grandly comes to life.

Led by a retired and unmotivated Hercule Poirot whose faith is teetering, this somewhat spooky whodunnit is more character-driven than previously explored. As he struggles with internal demons, solving this murder is unlike any other as ghosts and a curse run amuck throughout the giant gloomy estate. The big question is not only who committed the crime but is it possible that something otherworldly played a part? Not to mention, Poirot ponders if death follows him as he decides who he can trust. What do you do when you’re unsure if you can trust what you see or hear?

“Scary stories make life less scary.”

This film is triumphant in its technical aspects. Experiencing it in a Dolby theater allowed for the seat-shaking sound design and perfect color saturation paired with excellent lighting and exceptional cinematography to fully immerse you into this sunless and rain-riddled post-World War II conundrum. Unfortunately, that’s where the majority of the triumphs end. While there are a few standout performances and a character focus that we didn’t get from its predecessors, we were sold a haunt that is eerie at best and a mystery that ultimately comes to a wild conclusion but is a tad predictable and slightly boring.

The addition of the horror atmosphere and its chilling score does elevate it above Death on the Nile, however, that star-studded affair fell flat. Nevertheless, this can still be an enjoyable experience for some, but when compared to the likes of the Knives Out series, it is money you’ll want to save. Its rewatchability is low.

Pacing & Pop

The film features a stellar pace up until its third act. By the time the second a is over, you’re itching for the reveal. But while the waterproof layers of Poirot’s mustache have you in their grasp, it takes its sweet time getting to the point. It eventually feels a touch too long. What popped for me was seeing Jamie Dornan and Jude Hill together once again as father and son as they were in Belfast. 

Characters & Chemistry

Starring: Kyle Allen, Kenneth Branagh, Camille Cottin, Jamie Dornan, Tina Fey, Jude Hill, Ali Khan, Emma Laird, Kelly Reilly, Riccardo Scamarcio, Michelle Yeoh

While this film features a stacked cast, there are only a few performances that shine through all of the darkness. Despite being difficult to understand at times, Kenneth Branagh shines as Hercule Poirot questions reality and everything he knows as supernatural forces may exist. Jude Hill as the eerie, intelligent, and inquisitive youngster is a beacon of light in a shadowy-clad haunted mansion. Michelle Yeoh and Tina Fey were both underutilized, however, Tina Fey felt a bit out of place. Jamie Dornan is great when playing off of Jude Hill. Their chemistry is fantastic. Kelly Reilly delivers a passionate performance as the frantic mother in mourning. Overall, this ensemble is stronger together than apart.

A Haunting in Venice is set to release in theaters on September 15, 2023. Remain safe and talk to ghosts.

Rated: PG-13

Runtime: 1h 43m

Director: Kenneth Branagh

Writer: Michael Green

Producers: Kenneth Branagh, p.g.a., Judy Hofflund, p.g.a., Ridley Scott, Simon Kinberg

Executive Producers: James Prichard, Louise Killin, and Mark Gordon

Director of Photography: Haris Zambarloukos

Production Design: John Paul Kelly

Editor: Lucy Donaldson

Composer: Hildur Gudnadóttir

https://youtube.com/watch?v=yEddsSwweyE%3Fsi%3D01I-cS-YwPlzDwf5