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Writer's pictureGus Keller

Death on the Nile: Mediocre Murder

Updated: Feb 20, 2023


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Death on the Nile is similar to its predecessor. The mystery mechanics are superb (expected from Agatha Christie), but the execution feels underwhelming. All the pieces are in place: the setting is fun, the characters are diverse, and the reveal is both earned and surprising. However, it all falls a bit flat because time is mismanaged. Fundamentally, Gadot and Hammer (the main additions) are stiff and stale, dampening the film's momentum. Meanwhile, the newcomers who are interesting (Okonedo, Mackey, and Brand) never get enough time to shine. Branagh is clearly an engaged protagonist, but the script is log-jammed around him.


Technically, Death on the Nile is hit and miss. The symbolic silence is effective, the cinematography utilizes movement and composition, and the production design sells the time period. However, the highlights mostly stop there. The editing successfully introduces the mystery, yet drags in the first act. The music is fun during band performances, but is otherwise forgettable. The cast is recognizable but hardly optimized. Lastly, there's simply too much CGI. It's distracting, cheapens the extravagant location, and undercuts the era. Overall, Death on the Nile means well but contains too many missteps to land as a universal success.


Writing: 6/10

Direction: 7/10

Cinematography: 8/10

Acting: 7/10

Editing: 7/10

Sound: 8/10

Score/Soundtrack: 7/10

Production Design: 8/10

Casting: 7/10

Effects: 6/10

Overall Score: 7.1/10




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So, I managed to get to my theatre and see Death on the Nile

and I absolutely loved it. I really liked the first movie, Murder on the Orient Express, but this was so much better for me. I think the only thing I didn’t like was the answer to who dunnit, but the answer is better than the one for the first (I was starting to get scared they were about to do it again). The best thing about this is easily the beautiful cinematography with the Egypt setting. They do a phenomenal job showing the grandeur and importance of each major spot they go to, I think they could have worked in just one more location though. Kenneth Branagh does a decent directing job, but I really like what he does with his character in this one. Poirot felt so distance from the drama of the first but this one expands his character and gives him personal stakes in the case. Gal Gadot is just as lovely and beautiful as always, she does a great job in this and even manages to tease her Cleopatra role coming soon. Armie Hammer is a great actor when he’s not fantasizing about eating people. Russel Brand has done a full 180 on his career and I’m so happy with the serious actor he’s becoming, perhaps one of his best recent roles. Tom Bateman will quickly make you love his character and never let up. Annette Bening doesn’t have many scenes in this but she’s really good with the emotional stuff. Ali Fazal is like an afterthought here, he’s the one you’ll forget about and then be like “oh yeah the lawyer is here too”. Dawn French and Jennifer Saunders are rarely apart here and I really like where they took their characters. Rose Leslie is alright here, I think she works better when acting with her husband though. Emma Mackey has some baddie moments and then just falls to the back fast. Sophie Okonedo is marvelous and gets a far bigger role than I had expected. I absolutely hate how good Letitia Wright is, she makes it so hard to be mad at her. The score here needs to be nominated at the Oscars next year, it is such a standout part of this film. Everyone gets at least one scene to shine in and everyone has a motive. Great fun in IMAX, I would highly recommend! 9/10. -Tyler.



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2022

12A

Director: Kenneth Branagh

Starring: Kenneth Branagh, Gal Gadot, Armie Hammer, Emma Mackey, Letitia Wright, Sophie Okonedo, Tom Bateman, Annette Bening, Russell Brand, Jennifer Saunders, Dawn French, Susannah Fielding, Rose Leslie, Ali Fazel, etc.


While on vacation on the Nile, Hercule Poirot must investigate the murder of a young heiress. I personally absolutely loves this film and it was much better then Murder on the Orient Express.


The cinematography, lighting and set design was fantastic. Also with fantastic costume design. I thought they bought the time period and setting to life in a fun way. The character background for Poirot was interesting and a great element to the movie. The performances from the whole cast were great. My key highlights were Gal Gadot, Jennifer Saunders, Letitia Wright and Sophie Okonedo. But the star of the film for me was Emma Mackey. She was absolutely incredible here. Her performance was intense, passionate and she captured the essence of her character excellently, and the subtle way she would be so expresionate with her face was amazing. The film did a good job at balancing the whole cast and giving everyone a good motivation for the murder. The film had a very stylish and slick tone. There was some fun comedic moments. The mystery was very strong, the film misled you and I didn't have a clue who the killers were until the very end. The plot twists were great and unexpected, with an intense and well constructed final act.


I only had a few minor issues with the film. It took a little while for the mystery of the film to start being developed. There was some slight overreliance on exposition in parts, and there was a few odd character decisions.


Overall, despite a few minor issues. Death on the Nile is a stylish, slick and intense murder mystery that keeps you constantly guessing from beginning to end. With a talented cast that highlights a star making performance from Emma Mackey who should get a lot more work after this.


Overall Score 90/100.



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