The Riddle

The Riddle is a ripping, mysterious and unique British film from 2007 especially designed to entertain the fans of crime thrillers. Directed by Brendan Foley and brought to life by an ensemble cast featuring Mark Asante, Julie Cox, Derek Jacobi, and 'Long Bob' Elvin, the movie aggregates, spins, and presents a series of enigmatic riddles that deserve to be solved.

The storyline of The Riddle is set against the backdrop of the sprawling, bustling cityscape of London, interspering with the serenity and isolation of one of England's most scenic rural areas, Kew Gardens. The movie begins as a crafty, investigative journalist, Mike (played by Vinnie Jones), discovers a Victorian era, unsolved murder mystery when he discovers an unidentified body in the River Thames and starts to investigate on his own accord.

The body recovered from the Thames isn't any ordinary carcass; it carries a great mystery, like a riddle waiting to be solved. Our protagonist finds a book near the body site, a fairly old one, housing a collection of poems by the great Victorian poet, Charles Dickens. The connection to the historical poet brings another character into limelight, a museum curator, Kate (acted by Julie Cox), extending her hand to Mike to resolve the enigma at hand.

Kate's expertise on Charles Dickens and his works leads her to believe that the answer to the murder riddle lies within his collected poems. Intriguingly, the discovered body appears to have some mystical connection with Dickens, opening the door for a gripping, nerve-wracking journey to unravel the truth.

Interestingly, the movie also explores Dickens's life as a part-time sleuth. The multifaceted picture of Dickens as part writer, part investigator gives him a dimension the audience hadn't seen before and makes him the inspiration for Mike's current pursuit in his murder investigation. It’s almost as if Dickens continues to breathe and lives on as an integral character and an enigma ceased in time. His legacy plays a significant role in our protagonist's journey of truth and discovery.

Meanwhile, the dexterity of Mark Asante's character erupts in sequences highlighting London's criminal underbelly full of gangsters and thugs. The convoluted narrative is periodically punctuated by Vera Day's charismatic and compelling performance. The character of 'Long Bob' Elvin (played by Derek Jacobi), former London bobby and Dickens’ aficionado, adds a special flavor to the movie, entwining the story with a touch of wit and experience. Elvin's character functions as a source of information and guidance, assisting Mike in his quest.

As the storyline moves ahead, our protagonists find themselves amidst a rat race against unscrupulous developers looking to tear down the Boxing Rock pub, which ironically is the last pub in which Dickens had a drink. The pub serves as a monument of historical nostalgia, tying together Dickens' history with elements of conspiracy, corruption, and corporate greed.

The Riddle beautifully juxtaposes crime solving with historical literature, fusing an intriguing tale filled with suspense and captivating revelations. It effectively combines events from different eras into one cohesive story, debunking a spiral of uncertainties one after another.

The cinematography and the gripping performances amplify the level of anxiety, suspense, and thrill. The storytelling approach keeps the audience hooked, taking them on a roller coaster ride with its unexpected twists and stimulating cliffhangers. The backstory smoothly integrates with the present-day action, creating an authentic feel and a gratifying surprise for the audience in every sequence.

The film moves beyond the realm of being just a 'detective tale' and captures the essence of history and nostalgia within its narrative, making it an interesting watch for literature fans and crime thriller enthusiasts alike. It introduces the audience to the raw beauty of Britain's landscapes, the charisma of its culture, and the mystique wrapped around a forgotten chapter of its history.

The Riddle is indeed a cinematic testament to the age-old adage that 'Every riddle has a golden key.'