A Haunting in Venice Review: Kenneth Branagh's Supernatural Masterpiece

In Kenneth Branagh's latest film, A Haunting in Venice, viewers are transported to the enchanting city of Venice, where a dark and stormy Halloween night sets the stage for a gripping tale of mystery and supernatural intrigue. Loosely adapted from Agatha Christie's novel Hallowe'en Party, this atmospheric adaptation takes the audience on a thrilling journey filled with suspense, ghostly apparitions, and unexpected twists.

A Melodious Connection to the Past

As the film opens, gondolas glide through the Venetian waterways while a familiar melody fills the air. The choice to include the song "Meet Me in St. Louis, Louis" may seem incongruous at first, but it soon becomes clear that this reference holds deeper significance. One of the characters in the film recalls seeking solace in the 1944 movie Meet Me in St. Louis during the war, highlighting the power of film to provide comfort during difficult times. This connection to a bygone era sets the stage for a haunting tale that explores the mischievous nature of children, both living and deceased.

The Setting: A Haunted Palazzo in Venice

The story unfolds within the walls of a crumbling Venetian palazzo, rumored to be haunted by the spirits of children who perished during a devastating plague outbreak. Against this eerie backdrop, the palazzo's owner, Rowena Drake, portrayed with masterful melancholy by Kelly Reilly, hosts an All Hallows' Eve gathering for adults. The main event of the evening is a séance conducted by the renowned medium Mrs. Joyce Reynolds, played entrancingly by Michelle Yeoh. Rowena hopes to make contact with the spirit of her deceased daughter, Alicia, who tragically drowned in the canal a year earlier.

Enter Hercule Poirot: The Rational Detective

Amidst the spookiness and supernatural occurrences, a renowned detective, Hercule Poirot, arrives at the palazzo to investigate the unfolding mysteries. Played by Kenneth Branagh himself, Poirot is retired from his official duties but remains intrigued by cases that challenge his rationalist instincts. However, Poirot's skepticism is put to the test as he confronts increasingly bizarre and unexplainable phenomena. The filmmakers take delight in pushing Poirot, a symbol of logic and reason, out of his comfort zone and into a realm of supernatural horror.

An All-Star Cast: Tina Fey Shines as Ariadne Oliver

Joining Branagh in the cast is the talented Tina Fey, who delivers a standout performance as Ariadne Oliver, a successful mystery novelist and Poirot's friend. In this adaptation, Ariadne is reimagined as an American, infusing the character with Fey's trademark wit and sarcasm. Fey's portrayal adds a refreshing dynamic to the film, as she not only balances Poirot's ego but also seeks to reignite his passion for sleuthing. Their banter and chemistry provide moments of levity amidst the tension and darkness of the story.

A Visual Feast: Venice as the Perfect Backdrop

A Haunting in Venice is visually stunning, thanks to the film's exquisite cinematography by Haris Zambarloukos. The beauty and grandeur of Venice are captured with breathtaking precision, with each frame serving as a mesmerizing feast for the eyes. Zambarloukos employs creative camera angles, including canted shots and upward gazes, to intensify the eerie atmosphere and emphasize the haunting nature of the setting. The result is a visually immersive experience that transports viewers into the heart of the Venetian mystery.

From Classic Whodunit to Supernatural Horror

While previous adaptations of Agatha Christie's works by Branagh, such as Murder on the Orient Express and Death on the Nile, were faithful retellings of beloved novels, A Haunting in Venice takes a bold departure from its source material. Branagh and screenwriter Michael Green have chosen to deviate from one of Poirot's lesser-known cases, Hallowe'en Party, and instead craft a unique narrative that seamlessly blends elements of the classical detective story with full-throttle supernatural horror.

An Ensemble of Mysterious Characters

The palazzo's guests, both invited and uninvited, add depth and complexity to the story. Among the intriguing characters are an angry chef, a watchful bodyguard, shifty Hungarian travelers, a troubled doctor and his precocious son, and an intensely religious housekeeper. Each character brings their own secrets, motives, and potential connections to the eerie occurrences within the palazzo. As the mysteries unravel, tensions rise, and suspicions abound, keeping the audience on the edge of their seats.

The Power of Grief and War-Torn Memories

Beyond the supernatural elements and the intricate web of mysteries, A Haunting in Venice delves into deeper themes of grief, trauma, and the haunting memories of war. The film explores the lasting impact of World War II on its characters, particularly Poirot, who carries physical and emotional scars from his time on the battlefield. The sense of loss and longing that permeates the narrative adds a poignant layer to the story, reminding us that the human experience is often shaped by past traumas and the quest for closure.

A Riveting Conclusion: Ghosts and Reality Collide

As the film reaches its climax, the audience is treated to a series of shocking revelations and a resolution that is both clever and satisfying. The pieces of the puzzle finally come together, leading to a showdown where the worlds of the living and the dead collide. What lingers after the credits roll is not just the resolution of the mysteries but also a sense of the profound impact these events have had on the characters. A Haunting in Venice reminds us that beneath the surface of everyday life, there are hidden depths and unseen forces that shape our reality.

Conclusion

In A Haunting in Venice, Kenneth Branagh has crafted a mesmerizing and atmospheric adaptation of Agatha Christie's work, taking viewers on a thrilling journey through the dark and mystical corners of Venice. With its all-star cast, breathtaking cinematography, and a narrative that seamlessly blends elements of classic whodunit with supernatural horror, this film is a standout in Branagh's Christie trilogy. A Haunting in Venice serves as a testament to the enduring allure of Christie's stories and the power of film to transport us to worlds beyond our imagination.