“A Haunting in Venice” is the latest installment by British actor and director Kenneth Branagh in his recent series of Agatha Christie novel adaptations. After his work in “Murder on the Orient Express” (2017) and “Death on the Nile” (2022), his latest work “A Haunting in Venice” (2023) adapts Agatha Christie’s novel “Hallowe’en Party.”
In “A Haunting in Venice,” former detective Hercule Poirot (Kenneth Branagh) investigates the truth behind the hauntings of a small house in Venice and the subsequent murders that soon follow throughout the course of the night. The friendly hauntings turn darker and darker, leading to the death of members of the group, forcibly returning the former detective to put his skills to the test one more time to catch the culprit of the crime before daybreak.
This gothic horror, despite being an interesting crime thriller, details and highlights the lasting effects of World War II. That almost unnoticeable and subliminal theme represents the psychic scars left after the war and how it affected the people, a prominent point made by Branagh in an almost masterful way.
The authenticity of the film is truly realistic and magically transports readers to the post-World War II era in an effortless fashion. Everything from the costume design to the placement and details of a simple teacup found on a table, adds to the beauty of the film. The many colors and props that are littered around each of the sets are so aesthetically pleasing and ultimately help to add to the ominous setting of the film.
The set itself and the landscape shots of the mansion and surrounding area at night hit the audience with an ominous feeling of something about to happen. This, paired with the storm that happens throughout the night, matches the intensity of the story and keeps the viewer hooked.
The sound design of the film also creates an unnerving effect that matches the eerie setting and story presented in it. The presumed voices of children formulate the sensation of unsettledness and help to keep viewers clenched as to what may happen next. Along with the unique voices, the use of natural and loud noises grabs the viewers’ attention to changes in the film. The music also adds another layer of feeling to the film as the softer melodies put the viewer at ease while the more intense cues turn a calmed viewer into a hypervigilant detective like Poirot.
“A Haunting in Venice” is a fantastic addition to the mystery/crime genre and another wonderful adaptation of Agatha Christie’s work by Kenneth Branagh. The acting, story, underlying message, and set and sound design make this a wonderful experience for almost everyone to enjoy. While it may not be everyone’s cup of tea, the vast majority of viewers will find this to be a gratifying experience that will keep them guessing as to the true culprit and his or her motive. The slow build-up for the eventual crime and the mysteries that soon follow make this an extremely satisfying film to watch.