‘Death And Other Details’ Review – The Mystery That Keeled Over

“Pay attention. Details matter.” These were the words of Rufus Cotesworth, the detective on Hulu’s newest series by way of ABC signature, Death and Other Details. Played by Mandy Patinkin (Criminal Minds), Rufus is the narrator of the series and one of the leads; however, he is not the main character. That title belongs to Violette Beane (The Flash) and her role as Imogene Scott, the center of this entire story.

Death and Other Details has joined the list of whodunit series like Only Murders in the Building and How to Get Away with Murder but, unlike its predecessors, Death and Other Details fails to meet the same level of intrigue or gripping excitement, instead being rather blasé and drawn-out. Still, it does have the makings of a good mystery with its corruption, love affairs, secrets, and betrayals. The only issue is the moments that occur in between that leave you hungry for a jump scare, shocking twist, or something that will show you that it’s worth it to continue with the next episode. Though it does try.

Taking place on an affluent cruise ship, the mystery at hand is the details surrounding murders that have taken place in both the past and the present. This is expressed by a constant back and forth between different years, reflecting how something the passengers did in the past has come back to bite them or according to the narrator (Rufus Cotesworth), were “illusions” derived from false memories and tricks all along. Imogen is somewhat involved in two murders – one being her mother’s that she witnessed eighteen years ago, and the other being the person who was killed on the ship days after it departed.

Hoping to clear her name before Interpol shows up, Imogen agrees to work with world-proclaimed “best detective” Rufus, who might be the blast from the past she needs to get answers – or a fraud that gets in the way. That is if the ship isn’t destroyed with all the people on it first. In addition to Imogen and Rufus, there’s the Colier and Chun families – rivals trying to go into business together, each with their gain in mind because what’s a mystery if there isn’t a fight over wealth and power that leads to destruction?

If you’re a fan of films like Death on the Nile and Murder on the Orient Express, you may enjoy this series as it has a similar tone. However, if you’re more of a Knives Out person, be prepared for something a bit darker. Death and Other Details ‘saving grace is the style it uses to tell the story, but the plot takes a bit of a hit as the pace goes slower than more recent breakout whodunits. Your attention might not be gripped from the first minute you watch, but if you can stick it out, you might find that you enjoy little moments along the way.

Sex is abundant with family secrets and drama aplenty, but none of it is unearned, and like the days of Clue, you still have a chance to play detective and attempt to figure out who the killer is before it’s revealed. Caught between the devil and the deep blue sea, Death and Other Details’ viewing experience will either be smooth sailing or dead in the water. It’s up to you to find out.