Kenneth Branagh returned to the spotlight in the newly premiered film “A Haunting in Venice,” which exceeded expectations by grossing $122 million worldwide at the box office. This supernatural thriller was initially projected to debut with earnings ranging between $13 million and $15 million, drawing comparisons to the franchise’s previous two installments, “Murder on the Orient Express” (2017) and “Death on the Nile” (2022). Below is an in-depth review of “A Haunting in Venice.”
Release Dates of “A Haunting in Venice”
The film had its red carpet premiere at the Odeon Luxe Leicester Square on September 11, 2023, followed by its official debut on September 15, 2023, under the banner of 20th Century Studios.
Additionally, “A Haunting in Venice” was released on Blu-ray and DVD on November 28, with a digital platform premiere occurring on October 30, 2023. The trailer for the film was unveiled on July 19, 2023, nearly two months before its theatrical release.
Review of “A Haunting in Venice”
“A Haunting in Venice” presents a timeless narrative with a unique twist. Over the years, the Walt Disney-owned entertainment conglomerate has captivated audiences with compelling tales set in unconventional locales. This time, they’ve tapped into our senses with “A Haunting in Venice.”
The film offers a high-concept premise heavily reliant on execution, skillfully handled by the talented Kenneth Branagh. Set against the backdrop of a murder in Venice, the decision to center the narrative around such an event proves to be a stroke of genius.
According to Rotten Tomatoes, a prominent critic remarked on Kenneth Branagh’s reprisal of Agatha Christie’s master detective Hercule Poirot, relocating Dame Agatha’s mystery from London to Venice and delving into the realm of the supernatural. This star-studded and wickedly entertaining adaptation does justice to its source material.
Another top critic, Jonathan Dean, praised “A Haunting in Venice” for its confident execution. Featuring more of Christie’s work portrayed by A-listers, the film delivers enjoyment akin to a cozy ITV drama on the big screen, catering to audiences seeking respite from the dominance of superhero films.
Cast of “A Haunting in Venice”
The ensemble cast of “A Haunting in Venice” includes:
- Kyle Allen as Maxime Gerard, Alicia Drake’s former fiancé
- Kenneth Branagh as Hercule Poirot, a retired Belgian detective
- Camille Cottin as Olga Seminoff, Rowena’s housekeeper
- Jamie Dornan as Dr. Leslie Ferrier, a psychiatrist grappling with psychological trauma
- Tina Fey as Ariadne Oliver, Poirot’s friend and crime novelist
- Jude Hill as Leopold Ferrier, Dr. Ferrier’s precocious son
- Ali Khan as Nicholas Holland, Reynolds’ assistant and Desdemona’s half-brother
- Emma Laird as Desdemona Holland, Reynolds’ assistant and Nicholas’ half-sister
- Kelly Reilly as Rowena Drake, a retired opera singer and Alicia’s mother
- Riccardo Scamarcio as Vitale Portfolio, Poirot’s bodyguard and former police officer
- Michelle Yeoh as Joyce Reynolds, a purported psychic medium
- Rowan Robinson as Alicia Drake, Rowena’s deceased daughter
- Amir El-Masry as Alessandro Longo, a young man seeking Poirot’s assistance
- Vanessa Ifediora as Sister Maria Felicitas
Ending Explanation of “A Haunting in Venice”
In the film’s climax, Hercule Poirot reveals that Rowena Drake murdered her daughter, Alicia Drake. Consumed by resentment following Alicia’s broken engagement, Rowena prevented Maxime from reconciling with her daughter. To maintain control over Alicia, Rowena regularly spiked her tea with hallucinogenic honey, leading to her eventual demise when their maid, Olga Seminoff, accidentally administered a fatal dose.
How to Watch “A Haunting in Venice” for Free at Home
“A Haunting in Venice” is currently accessible on various OTT platforms, including Disney+, Apple TV, Amazon Prime, YouTube, and Google Play. First-time Disney+ subscribers may have limited access to the film for free, albeit for a brief period. Alternatively, the film can be rented through platforms like Apple TV+ and Amazon Prime, with rental costs varying by region.