Kenneth Branagh Delves Deep into the Supernatural with “A Haunting in Venice”
Renowned director Kenneth Branagh, widely recognized for his iconic portrayal of Hercule Poirot in past Agatha Christie adaptations, is poised to bring a refreshing twist to the silver screen with “A Haunting in Venice.” This highly anticipated thriller beckons audiences into a realm of the supernatural, a detour from the classic murder mysteries fans have come to adore.
Mysteries Beyond the Grave
The movie draws its inspiration from Christie’s “Halloween Party,” and trails the meticulous Poirot as he unravels the murder of a young girl. The drama unfolds in the haunting backdrop of Venice, where Poirot, now retired, is summoned to a séance on Halloween night by his old friend, Ariadne, portrayed by the versatile Tina Fey. But this is no ordinary séance. Held by the enigmatic retired opera singer Rowena Drake, it aims to communicate with her deceased daughter’s spirit.
Kelly Reilly, essaying the role of Rowena, shares, “She [Rowena] hosts the séance to speak to the spirit of her daughter, who tragically passed away a year prior.” Branagh, speaking highly of Reilly’s portrayal, remarks, “Kelly infuses such delicacy into Rowena, a mother grappling with immense loss, feeling a world devoid of music without her child.”
But as the spirit makes its appearance, tension escalates. The revelation? The killer is amidst them. Reilly intriguingly hints, “Appearances can be deceptive. The narrative brims with questions, leaving the viewers to piece the puzzle.”
Nothing is as it seems.
See Kelly Reilly speak to the spirits in #AHauntingInVenice, only in theaters Friday. Get tickets now: https://t.co/rqWcUBWMwD pic.twitter.com/NYWozPbgLw
— 20th Century Studios (@20thcentury) September 13, 2023
Branagh’s latest venture doesn’t just bank on ghosts but strives to evolve beyond its predecessors such as “Death on the Nile” and “Murder on the Orient Express.” The intent? To reinvigorate the narrative and challenge Hercule Poirot’s skeptical stance on the supernatural. “This film exudes a palpable edge, a certain darkness. It resonates with an intensity, an element I deeply admire,” Reilly elucidates.
The Creative Minds and Star-studded Ensemble
The screenplay, intricately woven by Michael Green – the brain behind the last two films in the series, boasts an ensemble of celebrated actors. Kyle Allen steps into the shoes of Maxime Gerard, with Camille Cottin as Olga Seminoff, Jamie Dornan as Dr. Leslie Ferrier, and Jude Hill as Leopold Ferrier. The cast is further adorned with Ali Khan, Emma Laird, Riccardo Scamarcio, and Michelle Yeoh, who plays Joyce Reynolds, the psychic pivotal in summoning the spirit.
“A Haunting in Venice” promises to be an exhilarating ride, set to captivate audiences come September 15. Until then, fans can satiate their curiosity with the newly released featurette.
