The first reviews for The Thursday Murder Club are in as the film lands in cinemas today.
As a keen gamer, I found myself immersed in a cinematic adaption of Richard Osman’s captivating bestseller. The movie revolves around four retirees who, for the sake of entertainment, establish an amateur detective club. Their pastime involves cracking cold cases, but their lighthearted pursuits take a dramatic turn when a genuine murder mystery lands right on their doorstep.
As a devoted admirer, let me share that I’m thoroughly engrossed in a captivating murder mystery. In this tale, Helen Mirren, Celia Imrie, Pierce Brosnan, and Ben Kingsley gracefully embody the key characters – the esteemed members of our title club and the residents of the charming Coopers Chase Retirement Village.
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In addition to the main characters, you’ll find Naomi Ackie, Daniel Mays, David Tennant, Jonathan Pryce, Tom Ellis, and Richard E. Grant gracing the screen as well.
Under the direction of Chris Columbus, the movie has garnered a mix of opinions from critics thus far. Some have been critical of its seemingly weak narrative, whereas others have admired the outstanding performances delivered by the ensemble cast.
In anticipation of the Netflix premiere of the film next week, let me share some reviews from critics about this eagerly awaited adaptation.
Digital Spy
The adaption might turn out to have a variety of elements since it’s generally entertaining and stays true to the original, yet it does make some significant alterations that may displease avid fans.
The Guardian
If a film speeds up towards an absurd conclusion in its last part, it takes on a feel more akin to a children’s TV program during the daytime rather than a mature evening crime series. While there is nothing inherently problematic about this change, it does shift the tone from adult-oriented to something more suitable for a younger audience.
The Times
In this movie, there are moments where we laugh at elderly characters, but also feel uneasy and frequently sad. The scene where Mirren and Pryce dance gently to ‘Oh Very Young’ by Cat Stevens stands out as the most heartfelt and significant. Onwards to Murder Club 2!
The Independent
Despite its appealing appearance in theory and under the direction of Chris Columbus, this production feels rather fragile to such an extent that you wouldn’t miss much by streaming it on your iPad during dinner preparations.
The Hollywood Reporter
A movie revolves around retirees who enjoy solving cold cases as a pastime, offering an experience reminiscent of a friendly game of Clue or a comforting Agatha Christie novel. Despite some similarities, it stands out with its glamorous ensemble and a hint of self-awareness, making up for any perceived lack of originality. This film, while not particularly trendy, eschews grandeur in favor of an enjoyable, albeit predictable, experience – acknowledging its use of common tropes without pretending to be anything more than it is.
The Wrap
It can be disconcerting when talented actors are provided minimal roles to play. _The Thursday Murder Club_, while offering an engaging plot, seems to brush over thought-provoking themes such as aging, the loss of friends and family members due to dementia or hospice care, and the looming isolation that comes with advanced age.
Daily Mail
This charming, unassuming, and wise-yet-never-too-overbearing mystery shares similarities with a blend of Miss Marple and ‘Only Murders in the Building’, or a cozy-mystery spin on ‘Knives Out’. It’s a heartwarming tale that highlights camaraderie, fortitude, and the humor of growing older, while artfully balancing emotions, making it top-notch feel-good murder entertainment at its best.
The Thursday Murder Club is out in cinemas today, before releasing on Netflix on 28 August.
As a devoted fan, I’m thrilled to share that Digital Spy’s latest print issue has arrived! Immerse yourself in the electrifying Oasis – Live in ’25 experience. You can grab your copy from newsagents or purchase it online, now available for an affordable £8.99. Enjoy the music journey!
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2025-08-22 13:21