Shivangi Sinha
‘A Haunting in Venice’ presents a gripping supernatural thriller with Kenneth Branagh at the helm, both directing and stepping into the shoes of the renowned detective, Hercule Poirot. The movie unfolds its eerie tale against the backdrop of post-World War II Venice, where Poirot finds himself drawn into a perplexing murder case that occurs during a séance. This cinematic offering acts as a sequel to ‘Death on the Nile,’ and marks Branagh’s third outing as the beloved character Hercule Poirot. With its blend of mystery, the supernatural, and Branagh’s portrayal, the film promises to continue the legacy of this iconic detective in a new and intriguing setting.
In addition to Kenneth Branagh, the film boasts a talented ensemble cast featuring Kyle Allen, Camille Cottin, Jamie Dornan, Tina Fey, Jude Hill, and Michelle Yeoh. The film’s eerie suspense is masterfully executed, thanks to its evocative cinematography and the hauntingly dark classical scores by Hildur Gudnadøttir. Delivered in a stylish manner, the movie holds the promise of sending shivers down the viewers’ spines while immersing them in its captivating narrative. If you’re curious about whether the movie draws inspiration from a True Story, let’s delve into the details to uncover the truth!
A Haunting in Venice is Based on Agatha Christie’s 1969 Novel
The screenplay for the film, penned by Michael Green, draws its inspiration from legendary author Agatha Christie‘s famous 1969 fiction novel titled ‘Hallowe’en Party’. While the film departs from the book in ways such as introducing elements of horror and altering the story’s timeframe, it manages to retain a strong connection to the real world. It is set a decade after the events of the preceding film, ‘Death on the Nile,’ placing it in the year 1947. The legendary detective Hercule Poirot has retired and now resides in Venice, seeking solace after witnessing the horrors of war and the worst aspects of humanity.
However, Poirot’s life takes a dramatic turn when he is invited to a séance conducted by opera star Rowena Drake, who owns a supposedly haunted palazzo. Rowena, grieving the loss of her daughter who committed suicide, has enlisted the renowned psychic Joyce Reynolds, portrayed beautifully by Michelle Yeoh, to communicate with the departed. The situation takes a sinister twist when one of the guests ends up dead under mysterious circumstances, leaving Poirot with the task of uncovering the truth behind the chilling events.
Amidst the seemingly surreal and magical elements, ‘A Haunting in Venice’ retains a grounding in reality that allows viewers to immerse themselves in its world. One of the key factors contributing to this believability is the attention to historical accuracy. The movie is meticulously set in 1947, and the characters, sets, and costumes all contribute to creating an authentic post-war atmosphere. As depicted in the film, Venice actually aligns closely with the visual representation crafted by Kenneth Branagh and his production team.
In this intriguing closed-room mystery, the investigation begins with the individuals present in the palazzo, and among the guests is a doctor named Leslie Ferrier (Jamie Dornan), along with his son named Leopold (Jude Hill). The doctor in the story is depicted as suffering from Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD), a mental health condition. Given that the generation that lived through the horrors of the Second World War often grappled with the effects of trauma, it was not uncommon for people to experience ailments like PTSD. There are also some other characters who represent war refugees. The movie commendably incorporates these prevalent issues into its storyline, shedding light on the psychological and physical scars left by the war and the impact it had on individuals and their families.
The film has received acclaim as the standout among Branagh’s Poirot films, primarily due to its empathetic portrayal of the mentality of people emerging from the aftermath of war. Branagh’s ability to infuse such sensitivity into his work is attributed to his personal connection, as his parents hail from the same generation that experienced the war’s impact firsthand. Despite its delicate balancing act between the real and unreal, ‘A Haunting in Venice’ successfully coalesces into a captivating mystery. By incorporating elements from real life, the story achieves a level of believability that leaves viewers satisfied with a narrative that not only intrigues but also provides a sense of fulfillment.
Read More: Where Was A Haunting in Venice Filmed?
