There’s something about an Agatha Christie screen adaption. The way in which the murder mystery unfolds, piece by piece, the long lost era that they are set in, and the cast of great actors make for an enthralling piece of entertainment.

 

Branagh’s retelling of arguable Christie’s best known work does not disappoint. Each part of the story is carefully unfurled, with the audience left guessing and second guessing characters’ motives and guilt or innocence. Added to the story is an introduction to Hercule Poirot although it isn’t included in the book, it serves as a brilliant background for the audience into the superb detective skills of this celebrated detective.

 

The cast is utterly huge – not just in size but also in star power. Branagh manages them all brilliantly, giving all of these big names ample screen time and character development. The problem for Branagh’s portrayal of Poirot is the shadow of David Suchet – the actor best known for playing Poirot for over twenty years. For many people Suchet is Poirot and any deviation from that portrayal wouldn’t feel quite right. But Branagh succeeds overall, stepping confidentially, if not without all of Poirots eccentricities, out of Suchet’s shadow. Josh Gad as Ratchett’s assistant Hector MacQueen is a particular stand out in this all-star cast as is Daisy Ridley as Mary Debenham, proving that she has more acting range than the portrayal of a scavenger in a galaxy far, far, away.

 

A lavish retelling of arguably Agatha Christie’s best known tale, Murder on the Orient Express is a suspense filled evening’s entertainment.