Murder on the Orient Express (2017)

Director: Kenneth Branagh

Starring: Kenneth Branagh, Penélope Cruz, Willem Dafoe, Johnny Depp, Judi Dench

When a murder occurs on the train on which he’s travelling, celebrated detective Hercule Poirot is recruited to solve the case.

‘Murder on the Orient Express’ features an ensemble cast and is almost entirely set on a train. It is a classic whodunit murder mystery, but with a reveal I did not expect. I wasn’t entirely happy with this outcome, but it does make sense.

Kenneth Branagh stars as Agatha Christie’s famous detective, Hercule Poirot. Hercule is a very observant man, and so prone to perfection it might even be considered OCD. Alas, I suppose that makes him the good detective he is!

Aboard the Orient Express, we meet a host of interesting characters, each with their own agenda. When a man is found murdered on the train, it is up to Hercule to find the culprit. As he starts interrogating the passengers, it becomes clear there’s more than meets the eye, and almost everyone had a motive.

‘Murder on the Orient Express’ is visually beautiful with good cinematography. It is a stylish film made in a lighthearted manner, without being a comedy. It’s never too serious and never too funny, allowing for a pleasant viewing experience. I do so enjoy Kenneth Branagh as Hercule Poirot!

‘Murder on the Orient Express’ was a huge box office success, earning $352.8 million on a budget of only $55 million. The film received 30 award nominations, including Best Thriller Film, Best Original Score, Best Costume Design, Best Makeup and Hair Styling, Best Production Design, Best Art Direction, Best Director, and Best Picture.

Would I watch it again? Possibly.