The Thursday Murder Club will delight and frustrate fans of Richard Osman’s cosy crime series

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Fans of the popular series, The Thursday Murder Club, have been eagerly anticipating its arrival, as news of a movie adaptation surfaced prior to the book’s initial publication in 2020. Now, with theaters screening the film starting today and its Netflix debut slated for next week, that wait is finally at an end.

The film arrives boasting substantial support from Steven Spielberg’s Amblin Entertainment and an esteemed ensemble of actors, which, unusually for any movie based on a popular book series, has received relatively little criticism from the book’s dedicated fanbase. (No hard feelings, Pierce.)

After watching “The Thursday Murder Club,” will the same fans find satisfaction? Given that it’s mostly an engaging and loyal adaptation, there might be a mix of reactions because while it retains much of the original charm, there are some significant alterations made to the book, which some fans might find bothersome.

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The narrative of “The Thursday Murder Club” continues to unfold along the lines of its initial storyline, keeping us engrossed with the charismatic group of elderly detective enthusiasts: Elizabeth (Helen Mirren), Joyce (Celia Imrie), Ron (Pierce Brosnan), and Ibrahim (Ben Kingsley).

After bringing Joyce on board, the team’s regular gatherings for solving cold case murders as a pastime become more serious when an actual murder occurs. Connected to the retirement community, Coopers Chase, this incident jeopardizes their future. Will they manage to unravel it before it’s too late?

In the absence of Osman penning the adaptation, Katy Brand and Suzanne Heathcote found themselves in a difficult predicament, needing to streamline the intricate murder-mystery for a two-hour film. The book’s plot is filled with so many misleading clues (red herrings) that fitting everything into a single movie would be nearly impossible, unless it was intended for a multi-episode television series.

The authors admirably manage to convey the essence of the book while also presenting a unique approach to the case study. This results in a familiar conclusion, yet one that offers a novel perspective for those who have read the original work.

In their investigation approach, they may have overlooked several possible suspects who remain active in Cooper’s Chase, but without any significant involvement. Consequently, the case appears less intricate than suggested by the book’s narrative, thereby reducing its suspenseful and mysterious nature typical of a murder-mystery.

It is quite possible that some fans might express discontent over one specific alteration made in the story, a change that could potentially influence upcoming films if they continue to follow the book series. This issue might not seem significant to new viewers unless they are aware of the broader context about the future developments for these characters.

The film consistently benefits from the exceptional casting job done by casting director Kharmel Cochrane. For a long time, viewers may have already imagined Helen Mirren and Celia Imrie in the roles of Elizabeth and Joyce respectively, but after seeing their performances, it will be hard to forget them as they fit the characters flawlessly.

Ibrahim proved to be a more complex character, yet Ben Kingsley seamlessly fits into the role of the quiet-speaking psychiatrist, much like slipping into a familiar pair of comfortable slippers. On the other hand, Pierce Brosnan has been an unexpected choice for Ron, with many readers preferring a rougher, more robust actor such as Ray Winstone. However, despite requiring some time to grow accustomed to, Brosnan’s charm and comedic timing ultimately make him a successful fit for the role.

The unique chemistry among the four characters is immediately apparent from the books, and they’re bolstered by a strong ensemble of secondary actors. Daniel Mays, Naomi Ackie, and David Tennant shine brightest, with Tennant particularly enjoying his portrayal as the uncaring and seedy Ian Ventham.

In a nutshell, Henry Lloyd-Hughes, playing Bogdan, may not leave as strong an impression as one might anticipate. This character has been well-liked from the start, but in this instance, he is burdened with a fresh storyline concerning foreign workers’ rights. Unfortunately, this thread lacks depth and fails to resonate effectively.

As a devoted fan, I must say that the movie, for the most part, captures the charm of the beloved novel beautifully and delivers an enjoyable experience. However, some minor flaws tend to accumulate over its duration, leaving me with a desire for a bit more depth or complexity that could have elevated it beyond being simply a comforting weekend diversion.

That’s not necessarily a problem either, and fans will probably be thrilled just to see the characters brought to life on screen. If the second book, “The Man Who Died Twice,” ends up becoming a movie sequel to “The Thursday Murder Club,” it certainly provides a strong base for further development.

The Thursday Murder Club is out now in select cinemas ahead of its Netflix release on 28 August.

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2025-08-22 10:19