Agatha Christie's Crooked House

Agatha Christie's ‘Crooked House’ (2017) is a captivating cinematic rendering of a classic murder mystery, bringing the work of the Dame of Mystery to life. Directed by Gilles Paquet-Brenner, the film stars Max Irons in the lead role, alongside accomplished actors like Stefanie Martini and Glenn Close. This suspense-filled drama showcases a complex narrative that leaves viewers on the edge of their seats as they attempt to unravel one of Christie's most compelling mysteries.

‘Crooked House’ draws us into a labyrinth of shocking family secrets and unresolved grudges. The story revolves around a private detective named Charles Hayward (played by Max Irons), who carries himself with a crisp professional demeanor that contrasts sharply with the eccentric and opulent world into which he is drawn. Hayward is hired by Sophia Leonides (Stefanie Martini), his former lover, to investigate the death of her wealthy grandfather. The death, initially believed to be natural, starts to look suspicious as new details emerge.

The authorities believe the grand old man, a wealthy business tycoon, died of old age. However, when Sophia questions his demise, the detective is plunged into a world of intrigue and confusion. What might seem like a simple inquiry soon spirals into an intricate murder investigation within the confines of the sprawling family estate, full of suspects who all stand to inherit a fortune.

The plot thickens as the web of suspicious characters unravels. We meet the family’s eccentric matriarch Lady Edith (played by Glenn Close), who displays a disturbing fondness for guns, and Sophia’s feuding parents along with her spoiled younger brother, each exhibiting suspicious behaviors. There’s also a secretive family tutor and an enigmatic nanny, both adding layers to the puzzle.

'Agatha Christie's Crooked House' delves into the shadows of human nature and explores the darkest corners of familial relationships. A compelling aspect of the narrative is the Crooked House itself – the Leonides family estate. A character in its own right, it mirrors the twisted relationships within, echoing with secrets, nostalgia, and varying degrees of affection and resentment.

As the investigation deepens, we see the skilled detective, Charles Hayward, navigate through these twisted dynamics. Max Irons gives a strong performance, bringing quiet tenacity to his role as he untangles a web of lies, betrayal, and hidden agendas. Stefanie Martini also shines as Sophia, exhibiting a layer of strength beneath the vulnerability as she struggles with her family’s dark secrets and her own conflicted feelings for Charles. Glenn Close, as the irrepressible Lady Edith, is riveting every time she appears on screen, lending an enigmatic presence to the ensemble.

Brimming with suspense and intrigue, 'Crooked House' bewitches with its ominous atmosphere and an array of complex characters, each harbouring secrets and agendas of their own. The background score composed by Hugo de Chaire heightens the sense of unease and suspense throughout the film. The film's cinematography is visually stunning, capturing the grandeur of the Leonides mansion and its grounds.

In keeping with Agatha Christie’s signature style, the movie blossoms into a compelling whodunit, sparking numerous theories only to dismantle them as the plot progresses. Each character is a suspect, and as the audience continues to guess who the murderer could be, the film continually throws new puzzles for them to solve, which is a true testament to Christie's literary genius.

While the mystery at its core is captivating, 'Crooked House' is also a study of the twisted relationships within a family, exploring themes of greed, bitterness, loyalties, and deeply embedded hatred, all veiled beneath a polished veneer of wealth and respectability.

Overall, Agatha Christie's 'Crooked House' serves as a splendid tribute to the queen of mysteries. It stands as an intriguing and twisted maze of suspicion and intrigue that will keep Christie's aficionados and mystery lovers hooked from beginning to end. What you can be sure of is that the ride to uncover who killed the patriarch will be every bit as shocking and surprising as you would expect from an adaptation of one of the greatest mystery writers of all time.