Movie Review: ‘The Thursday Murder Club’

Launching on Netflix on August 28th is ‘The Thursday Murder Club’, which represents an adaptation of author Richard Osman’s popular murder mystery novel.Directed by Chris Columbus (‘Harry Potter and the Philosopher’s Stone’), the movie stars Helen Mirren (‘The Queen’), Pierce Brosnan (‘The World is Not Enough’), Ben Kingsley (‘Sexy Beast’), Celia Imrie (‘The Best Exotic Marigold Hotel’) and Naomi Ackie (‘Blink Twice’).

​Launching on Netflix on August 28th is ‘The Thursday Murder Club’, which represents an adaptation of author Richard Osman’s popular murder mystery novel.Directed by Chris Columbus (‘Harry Potter and the Philosopher’s Stone’), the movie stars Helen Mirren (‘The Queen’), Pierce Brosnan (‘The World is Not Enough’), Ben Kingsley (‘Sexy Beast’), Celia Imrie (‘The Best Exotic Marigold Hotel’) and Naomi Ackie (‘Blink Twice’).   

Launching on Netflix on August 28th is ‘The Thursday Murder Club’, which represents an adaptation of author Richard Osman’s popular murder mystery novel.

Directed by Chris Columbus (‘Harry Potter and the Philosopher’s Stone’), the movie stars Helen Mirren (‘The Queen’), Pierce Brosnan (‘The World is Not Enough’), Ben Kingsley (‘Sexy Beast’), Celia Imrie (‘The Best Exotic Marigold Hotel’) and Naomi Ackie (‘Blink Twice’).

Related Article: First Look at New Netflix Crime Adaptation ‘The Thursday Murder Club’

Initial Thoughts

“Cozy Crime” is a genre appellation that some storytellers bristle at, invoking images of basic British TV detective series featuring quirkily named old folk digging into crimes in bucolic countryside landscapes. But when fully embraced and exploited for full entertainment value, it’s one that pays dividends.

And, on the face of it, ‘The Thursday Murder Club’ could feel like it slots right alongside those sorts of shows –– you could even imagine it airing as a series on Sunday nights on the BBC. Yet this is a big-budget, star-driven movie that has even more to offer.

Script and Direction

Osman’s book launched a successful series of books and a healthy reading audience, so naturally there was pressure from the start to get the adaptation right. Fortunately, screenwriters Katy Brand (‘Good Luck to You, Leo Grande’) and Suzanne Heathcote (‘Killing Eve’) nail the tone and the basics while making any necessary changes as the story shifts mediums.

The mystery itself is solid and intriguing, and while you might be able to guess some of the elements, it doesn’t spoil the enjoyment.

In reality, it’s the characters you end up rooting for, and the screenplay features more than enough wittiness and charm to make them work on the page, even before considering the quality cast attached.

Chris Columbus certainly has experience bringing beloved British books to screens, and with ‘Thursday Murder Club’ he largely keeps things balanced and stays out of the way of the plot. Aside from some stylish flashbacks to another case, and some great tricks to keep you guessing on the crime front, the movie unfolds without fuss.

Cast and Performances

It’s not every murder mystery that can boast the talents of Academy Award-winning actors, and this one really makes the most of its cast.

Helen Mirren is the perfect Elizabeth, a former MI6 operative who can’t shake her investigative training even if she is now living in a retirement home. Imperious, impatient and occasionally impolite (though usually only when she’s frustrated with others), Elizabeth also has a vulnerable streak, not least when dealing with her husband Stephen (a superb Jonathan Pryce), who is struggling with creeping dementia.

Pierce Brosnan, meanwhile, gets to show off his comedy chops along with his trademark gruff charisma as Ron, a trade union leader who is a key member of the club.

Also on the team is retired psychologist Ibrahim, played by Ben Kingsley, who applies his training to figuring out motives and schemes. It’s a welcome change of gear for the actor, who puts in an appealingly nervy, quiet performance.

Celia Imrie’s former nurse Joyce is the new recruit, brought aboard for her medical background and willingness to go along with Elizabeth and co’s ideas –– even when they conflict with local law enforcement.

Around the core cast, a solid group of British character actors adds flavor and spice to the story, including the likes of Ackie (who is a friendly police constable) and David Tennant (as a loathsome property developer whose latest deal threatens the sanctity of the Club’s Cooper’s Chase retirement home.

Others include Daniel Mays as DCI Chris Hudson, endlessly confounded by our heroes’ meddling and Tom Ellis, who is Ron’s son Jason, a famous fighter sidelined by injury who has found fame on TV.

Final Thoughts

‘The Thursday Murder Club’ is an effective, well-crafted example of the murder mystery genre, one that celebrates its source material while also making smart decisions about turning the story into a movie.

Chances are the film will have you hoping for a spin-off series, but with a batch of books in Osman’s novel series, we may have to settle for more movies.

But if any further movies can keep up the blend of crafty mystery and genuine emotion on display here, it’ll be a good day for Cozy Crime in general.

‘The Thursday Murder Club’ receives a score of 85 out of 100.

What’s the story of ‘The Thursday Murder Club’?

Four irrepressible retirees spend their time solving cold case murders for fun, but their casual sleuthing takes a thrilling turn when they find themselves with a real whodunit on their hands.

Who is in the cast of ‘The Thursday Murder Club’?

Helen Mirren as Elizabeth BestPierce Brosnan as Ron RitchieBen Kingsley as Ibrahim ArifCelia Imrie as Joyce MeadowcroftNaomi Ackie as Donna de FreitasDaniel Mays as DCI Chris HudsonTom Ellis as Jason RitchieJonathan Pryce as Stephen BestDavid Tennant as Ian Ventham

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