Death on the Nile is a 2022 mystery thriller film directed by Kenneth Branagh from a screenplay by Michael Green, based on the 1937 novel of the same name by Agatha Christie. Produced by Branagh, Ridley Scott, Judy Hofflund and Kevin J. Walsh, the film is a follow-up to Murder on the Orient Express (2017).

Belgian sleuth Hercule Poirot's Egyptian vacation aboard a glamorous river steamer turns into a terrifying search for a murderer when a picture-perfect couple's idyllic honeymoon is tragically cut short.

The cast includes Branagh returning as Hercule Poirot, along with Tom Bateman (also returning from the first film), Annette Bening, Russell Brand, Ali Fazal, Dawn French, Gal Gadot, Armie Hammer, Rose Leslie, Emma Mackey, Sophie Okonedo, Jennifer Saunders, and Letitia Wright round out the ensemble cast. The film is the third screen adaptation of Christie's novel, following the 1978 film and an episode of the television series Agatha Christie's Poirot broadcast in 2004.

Death on the Nile released in theaters on February 11th, courtesy of 20th Century Studios.

THE GOOD

Okay so I feel like I need to start this review by admitting something that I’m not proud of, when the trailer for Death on the Nile made it’s debut, I really wasn’t all that excited. It had nothing to do with the quality of trailer itself, but instead more to do with the films predecessor, the 2017 crime drama Murder on the Orient Express. I went to see that movie in theaters with high expectations, and I was bored for the most part, even dozed off a few times. So even though several elements of Death on the Nile peaked my interest, I refused to get my hopes up. Were my concerns realized or did the magic of cinema break through?! Keep reading to find out!

Don’t worry, I won’t leave you hanging, this was a damn good movie! Death on the Nile was everything I wanted Murder on the Orient Express to be, and then some. I mean, where do I start?! The setting, the story, the cast, it all comes together in such a way that reminds us why we love the movies so much. Kenneth Branagh is a national treasure, and he really brought the larger than life persona of famed detective Hercule Poirot to life. The late Agatha Christie would be proud! Poirot and his unwavering confidence is given a dose of compassion, and the result is sheer perfection. I’m a big murder mystery fan in general, and one of my favorites as of late was the 2019 film Knives Out (full review here), which was nothing short of incredible and I can’t wait for the sequel. Death on the Nile is similar in many ways as it brings together a stellar cast capable of bringing to life this unique and intriguing story.

The story was incredible, as it pulled me in from the start and kept me guessing throughout. I never once thought I knew who the killer was, and the tension continued to build each time we got closer to figuring it out. The characters are so well-developed that anyone could be guilty. I have yet to read the book the film is based on, but from the research I have done the majority of the characters in the film are altered versions of the characters from the novel to make for a smaller overall cast of characters, and in turn a less confusing plot.

I really enjoyed the extra backstory we get on Poirot’s character that allows audiences to really relate to him beyond this persona of his. I felt like his character was a bit flat in Murder on the Orient Express, mainly because we are expected to just know who he is. As someone who does enjoy a good book, I have yet to read a single Agatha Christie novel, so my exposure to the Hercule Poirot character is limited to these films. Death on the Nile added layers to his character, and even though he is unmatched in the world of solving murders, he is still an emotionally fragile human being like the rest of us. He has suffered immense heartbreak in his life, sending him down the path of obsession when it comes to his work which is something that allows viewers the ability to see him in a different lens. The Hercule Poirot we get in Death on the Nile has guaranteed that I will be reading an Agatha Christie novel sooner than later. I will note that in my research I have learned that much of the backstory on Poirot presented in the film was created for the film specifically, and Christie did not dig much into his character’s backstory in her novels.

The cast is without a doubt a selling point for Death on the Nile. I mean, we all know that Kenneth Branagh is going to bring it as Hercule Poirot, but we are treated to many other great performances. Gal Gadot, who really needs no introduction at this point in her career, is fantastic as one of the titular characters in the film. Beautiful and immensely talented, her name alone can fill the seats these days. Gadot shares the screen with Armie Hammer, who has become quite a controversial guy as of late. Weird hobbies aside, Hammer is a great actor and once again earns his keep here. I really enjoyed Tom Bateman’s character, who is also the only character to appear in this film and Murder on the Orient Express. Russell Brand, who is best known for his comedic roles (Forgetting Sarah Marshall, Get Him to the Greek), impressed me with how much he brought to his character. I also really liked Emma Mackey’s performance, who plays a controversial and often misunderstood character. It was great to see Letitia Wright get another opportunity to showcase her acting talents. Sophie Okonedo was awesome as well, and I really liked the unique on-screen chemistry she shared with Branagh.

The costume design was nothing short of excellent, ensuring that the film felt true to the time period. The setting is mesmerizing, and cinematographer Haris Zambarloukos, who recently worked on Belfast with Kenneth Branagh, takes full advantage of the Egyptian setting. Pretty much every shot will leave you in awe, especially those that take place on the outside of the boat. I wasn’t sure what to expect as far as visuals, but I got my moneys worth and then some. It was clear that Zambarloukos wants to tell a story with each shot, and he is very successful in doing so. I felt like the setting with the pristine backdrop and what felt like a different world separating those on the shore and the rich aboard this boat, contributed as much to the overall effectiveness of the story as the script and the cast. The music was spot on as well as we are treated to yet another gem from talented composer Patrick Doyle. Just amazing.

THE BAD

I had very few issues with this film, mainly because it far exceeded my expectations. The pacing was great, never once feeling boring or like it was dragging. Each character felt like they belonged, and the ending had the payoff I was hoping for. I mean if you want to try and pick this apart be my guest, but it satisfied my thirst for quality cinema.

THE VERDICT

Packed to the brim with twists and turns, terrific acting, and an immersive feel throughout thanks to stunning cinematography, Death on the Nile is a worthy Agatha Christie adaptation and an absolute treat for fans of famed detective Hercule Poirot. Kenneth Branagh rolled up his sleeves for this one, and he deserves more than a few pats on the back. This is just quality cinema from start to finish, and has me beyond excited for the next epic Poirot adventure. Be sure to see Death on the Nile in theaters sooner than later, you will not be disappointed.