REVIEW: A Haunting in Venice Is The Right Dose Of Spooky & Fun

Belgian detective, Hercule Poirot returns for another case in 20th Century Studios’ new film, A Haunting in Venice, based on the Agatha Christie novel, Hallowe’en Party. Directed and starring, once again, Kenneth Branagh, the third film finds Poirot (Branagh) retired, enjoying a pastry or two, alongside his bodyguard, Vitale Portfoglio (Riccardo Scamarcio). Avoiding any and all cases in the beautiful city of Venice. Poirot is enjoying his time to himself. until All Hallows’ Eve falls upon the canals of Venice. It is then when Poirot’s friend, best-selling author Ariadne Oliver (Tina Fey), appears unannounced, asking for the detective’s help. Now, Poirot finds himself thrown back into the world of murder, but unlike his past cases, the question surrouding the murder isn’t the identity of the murderer, but whether or not the murderer was alive or dead when the crime was committed.

Perception is key in this new addition to the Hercule Poirot story. Branagh easily walks the balance between what one perceives as reality, and another perceives as paranormal in this enterating murder mystery. As Poirot struggles with the concept of the paranormal, Branagh makes sure the viewers are as well. He forces the audience to ask the sames questions as the famed detective including “Was the chandelier falling in the midst of a tense scene a coincidence or was it really a ghost, angry with the events transpiring around him?” It’s this constant focus that makes this film into something more than another whodunnit with an ever-changing A-list cast. Cinematographer, Haris Zambarloukos, also helped add to the layer of haunting suspense by utilizing the gothic style architecture of Venice. The cameras were placed at impossible angles to enhance the viewer’s feelings of anticiptation as the scarier moments unfolded on screen. He would then quickly shift the camera into a chaotic tailspin that would keep the sudience on the edge of their seat until the scene fully played out.

As with the other two films in Poirot’s series, this one does not lack in the star department. Branagh returns as the methodical Poirot while Fey brings a delightful rapport with Branagh, with her portrayl as the witty, fast-talking writer, Ariadne Oliver. The wonderful Michelle Yeoh isn’t given quite enough material to shine as medium, Mrs. Reynolds, but does well with what she has to work with.

Jamie Dornan plays Dr. Leslie Ferrier, a man still haunted by his wartime experience, and spends a majority of the film in a stupor, but Jude Hill, who plays his son, is one of the clear standouts in the film. I mean, what creepy film is complete without a creepy child.

With September alomst half way done, A Haunting In Venice might not be the right dosage of spooky for the hardcore horror fans. But for those who like to dabble in the occasional jump scare, and enjoy the simple whodunnit murder mystery, Hercule Poirot’s next case might just be right up your alley. It’s a good mix of the two without feeling outlandish, or boring. It’s has a good level of entertainment for any Fall day.

Grade: B-