A Haunting in Venice (2023) Horror Movie Review

The majority of the story unfolds in a grand palazzo, a mix of real Venice locations, London soundstages, and visual effects, creating a mesmerizing setting akin to Xanadu or Castle Elsinore. The film is infused with a hint of the supernatural, set against a powerful thunderstorm, and features intense violence that pushes the boundaries of a PG-13 rating. Picture it as a darkly delightful cousin to "Clue" or Branagh's own "Dead Again," with a gothic touch and a storyline involving past lives.

Amidst the expected plot twists and grisly murders, "A Haunting in Venice" provides an empathetic portrayal of the post-World War II generation, marked by psychic scars and a sense of existential questioning. The narrative, originally penned by Christie in 1969 and set in Woodleigh Common, England, takes a bold shift in the adaptation. The action is moved to Venice, set two decades earlier, featuring an international cast of characters, predominantly British expats. Key elements, such as the violent death of a young girl and the presence of a crime novelist named Ariadne Oliver (played by Tina Fey), are retained.

Ariadne, akin to Agatha Christie herself, claims credit for Poirot's reputation by incorporating him into her writing. She tracks down Poirot in his Venice apartment, where he appears to be in an existential crisis, retired from detective work. Poirot, expressing a preference for solitude rather than loneliness, discloses to Ariadne that he has no friends and has no need for any. "A Haunting in Venice" masterfully blends mystery, history, and a touch of the supernatural, making it a must-watch for fans of Branagh's work and classic detective stories.

Ariadne, facing a slump in sales, persuades Poirot to join a Halloween seance in hopes of generating material for her writing. The medium, Joyce Reynolds, plans to communicate with a murder victim, Alicia Drake, the daughter of the palazzo's owner. Poirot locks everyone in and declares they can't leave until he solves the mystery, turning them all into suspects.

The plot introduces a cast of characters, each with a potential motive for the murder and subsequent cover-ups. Among them are a wartime surgeon with PTSD, a precocious 12-year-old boy, a housekeeper, a former boyfriend, and war refugees. The story takes unexpected turns, keeping the audience engaged.

The film, while drawing inspiration from Agatha Christie's novel, takes creative liberties to craft a unique narrative. Screenwriter Michael Green, known for his fresh storytelling, blends commerce and art, catering to nostalgia while introducing new elements. The movie aligns itself with post-World War II popular culture, exploring themes of moral exhaustion and shattered ideals.

In a departure from the source material, the film is firmly set in the late 1940s, addressing war orphans, economic desperation, and the impact of occupation. Poirot's disillusionment with humanity echoes Christie's own sentiments. The characters, shaped by the aftermath of war, reflect a desire to reclaim their past lives, even if it means resorting to drastic measures.

Kenneth Branagh's direction is likened to Orson Welles, with a bold and grandiose style reminiscent of classic films. Despite its "big" feeling, the movie maintains a brisk pace, clocking in at 107 minutes. The narrative captures the essence of Wellesian cinema, marrying showmanship with efficiency.

In summary, "A Haunting in Venice" weaves a compelling mystery, blending old-world charm with modern storytelling, offering audiences a fresh take on Hercule Poirot's detective adventures.

For film enthusiasts, "A Haunting in Venice" offers a visual feast with nods to cinematic legends like Orson Welles. Branagh pays homage to Welles' signature style, drawing inspiration from "Othello" and featuring a cockatoo reminiscent of "Citizen Kane." It's as if Branagh summoned Welles' spirit and other directors like Carol Reed and John Frankenheimer, embracing a black-and-white, expressionistic, Gothic aesthetic.

Branagh, along with cinematographer Haris Zambarloukos, takes cues from films like "In Cold Blood" and "Kwaidan," employing innovative techniques. Fish-eye lenses, dutch tilts, and clever compositions create frames within frames, enhancing the movie's visual appeal. Ominous close-ups, like a creepy cuckoo clock, add to the atmospheric tension.

In a departure from traditional film practices, "A Haunting in Venice" embraces digital shooting in IMAX resolution. Unlike films that imitate the past, it revels in the unique qualities of digital media. The low-light interior scenes, void of film stock simulation, provide a mesmerizing hyper-clarity with an otherworldly shimmer. This choice, while unconventional, adds a fascinating dimension to the viewing experience.