Opened: September 15, 2023

Directed by: Kenneth Branagh

Starring: Kyle Allen, Kenneth Branagh, Camille Cottin, Jamie Dornan, Tina Fey, Jude Hill, Ali Khan, Emma Laird, Kelly Reilly, Rowan Robinson, Riccardo Scamarcio & Michelle Yeoh

In Kenneth Branagh’s third outing as director and star of an adaptation of an Agatha Christie Hercule Poirot novel, there’s a darker tone that makes the film more satisfying.

Ariadne Oliver (Tina Fey) seeks out Hercule Poirot (Branagh) to attend a séance at the home of Rowena Drake (Kelly Reilly), whose daughter (Rowan Robinson) died a year previously. When medium Joyce Reynolds (Michelle Yeoh) is caught in a lie, Poirot takes on the case.

Everything is discomforting from the set to the lighting to the many Dutch angles employed. There are some jump scares, but they’re warranted.

The all-star cast is incredible. Though Branagh lays on the accent a bit thick at times, Fey, Reilly, Yeoh, Jamie Dornan and Jude Hill all make up for it giving top-notch performances.

Final say: There’s always time for a good haunting. ★★★★☆