Miss Fisher and the Crypt of Tears

Miss Fisher and the Crypt of Tears is a charismatic globetrotting adventure, full of mystery and allure that seamlessly marries elements of Agatha Christie’s Hercule Poirot with Indiana Jones, setting it in the breathtaking landscapes of the 1920s' Australia, London, and the Middle East.

The film is directed by Tony Tilse and based on the historical mystery novels by Kerry Greenwood. It expertly expands on the beloved Australian television series, Miss Fisher's Murder Mysteries, resurrecting its enchantingly audacious and chic detective Phryne Fisher portrayed by the talented Essie Davis of The Babadook fame. Essie’s on-screen charisma is truly magnetic, and she slips back into her role as the flapper-era sleuth with buoyancy and flair, capturing audience hearts with her uncompromising spirit and wit.

Nathan Page reprises his role as Detective Inspector Jack Robinson, the will-they-won't-they romantic counterpart to Fisher. His charming interaction and chemistry with Essie Davis is one of the movie's delightful aspects that fans of the series will undoubtedly savor. Rupert Penry-Jones, celebrated for his role in the British TV series Spooks, also stars, further augmenting the movie's character richness.

The film begins with Phryne rescuing young Bedouin Shirin Abbas, played by Izabella Yena, who was unjustly imprisoned in Jerusalem. Following the daring escape, they become embroiled in a captivating mystery involving priceless emeralds, ancient curses, and the truth behind Shirin's tribe's mysterious disappearance during the First World War.

Fisher’s stunning fashion choices are the heart and soul of the movie, bringing the glamour of the 1920s period to screen with vibrant color and elegant designs. Costume designer Margot Wilson does a sensational job of ensuring that the aesthetic qualities remain engaging throughout the film, and each costume change is a spectacle in itself.

The film propels its audience across continents from the archaic lanes of Jerusalem, across the British countryside, to the evocative sand dunes of the Negev desert, and the lively streets of 1920s Melbourne. These panoramic landscapes beautifully shot by Director of Photography, Roger Lanser, serves as an excellent playground for intrigue and excitement.

The plot, full of enigma and intrigue, does not detour far from the series' heart. The narrative is tightly woven with occasional humorous and emotional punctuations, giving the audience enough thrill and suspense, yet maintaining that signature Miss Fisher charm. The characters are skillfully drawn, and the storyline elegantly fuses historical contexts with clever ‘whodunit’ mechanics, making it an engaging watch for both veteran series fans and newbies.

Moreover, the exploration of important social issues such as women's rights and colonialism gives depth to the narrative, underlying the mystery with a substantial fabric that keeps it from being a simple detective affair. The progressive attitude of the title character, Phryne Fisher, is often a catalyst for these discussions, making the film more intriguing.

The film offers a captivating score that creates an immersive aura. The music, composed by Greg J Walker, blends the essence of the Roaring Twenties with the mystery saga's sonic aesthetics, infusing exciting chase sequences and heartfelt moments with just the right intensity.

The screen serviette, Deb Cox, who also co-created the series, captures the very essence of Miss Fisher's character - her independence, her unabashed embrace of femininity and sexuality, her fearlessness - and translates it remarkably to the silver screen. Cox's script emanates a passion for the source material and the era.

Overall, Miss Fisher and the Crypt of Tears is an enthralling cinematic extension of a beloved character and series. Its high-quality production design, strong performances, and respectfully handled themes merge to create a captivating story set in an era loaded with glitz and glamour. It’s a charming film that will transport viewers to a time of speakeasies, flapper culture, and rising women's power, all against a backdrop of a thrilling mystery spanning multiple continents.