The Thursday Murder Club Movie Review: A Cosy Whodunit with a Starry Ensemble

The Thursday Murder Club

The Thursday Murder Club a 2025 Netflix original film has taken the streaming world by storm adapting Richard Osman’s bestselling 2020 novel into a delightful crime-comedy caper. Directed by Chris Columbus known for iconic films like Home Alone and Harry Potter this movie brings together a stellar cast of Helen Mirren, Pierce Brosnan, Ben Kingsley and Celia Imrie as a group of spirited retirees solving murders in their plush retirement village Cooper’s Chase. With its mix of humour mystery and heart the film has garnered attention for its light-hearted take on a dark theme.

A Murder Mystery with a Twist

Set in the picturesque Cooper’s Chase retirement village in Kent The Thursday Murder Club follows four elderly sleuths Elizabeth Best (Helen Mirren) Ron Ritchie (Pierce Brosnan), Ibrahim Arif (Ben Kingsley) and Joyce Meadowcroft (Celia Imrie) who meet weekly to solve cold cases for fun. The club originally founded by retired police officer Penny Gray now in a coma takes a thrilling turn when a real murder lands on their doorstep. The victim is Tony Curran (Geoff Bell) a shady co-owner of the retirement home whose death sparks a chain of events involving greedy landlord Ian Ventham (David Tennant) and a mysterious figure Bobby Tanner (Richard E. Grant).

The plot kicks off when Ian plans to redevelop Cooper’s Chase into luxury flats threatening the residents’ peaceful lives. When Tony is found dead the Thursday Murder Club seizes the opportunity to investigate roping in young police constable Donna De Freitas (Naomi Ackie) for insider information. What follows is a blend of witty banter clever sleuthing and unexpected twists as the retirees outsmart the local police led by DCI Chris Hudson (Daniel Mays). The story weaves in themes of friendship resilience and the value of not underestimating older individuals making it a feel-good yet gripping whodunit.

A Cast That Shines

The film’s biggest strength is its ensemble cast which brings charm and gravitas to the story. Helen Mirren as Elizabeth Best is the steely-eyed leader with a mysterious past possibly in MI6 delivering a performance that’s both commanding and nuanced. Her sharp wit and no-nonsense attitude make her the backbone of the group and Mirren’s ability to balance authority with warmth is impeccable.

Pierce Brosnan as the former trade unionist Ron Ritchie brings a roguish charm that’s reminiscent of his James Bond days but with a grounded everyman appeal. His portrayal of “Red Ron” is energetic and heartfelt capturing the character’s passion for justice and camaraderie. Ben Kingsley playing the meticulous psychiatrist Ibrahim Arif adds depth with his introspective and empathetic performanc offering psychological insights that drive the investigation forward.

Celia Imrie’s Joyce Meadowcroft is the heart of the group a seemingly mousy ex-nurse whose love for baking and quiet determination make her endearing. Imrie’s chirpy yet resourceful portrayal adds a layer of relatability especially in scenes where Joyce’s diary-like observations provide a window into the group’s dynamics. The supporting cast including David Tennant’s over-the-top villain Ian Ventham and Naomi Ackie’s spirited Donna complements the leads adding humour and tension.

Jonathan Pryce as Elizabeth’s dementia-stricken husband Stephen delivers a poignant performance that tugs at the heartstrings highlighting the emotional undercurrents of the story. The chemistry among the four leads is electric making their friendship believable and engaging.

Direction and Cinematography: A Cosy Yet Polished Affair

Chris Columbus with his knack for crowd-pleasing entertainment delivers a film that’s polished yet unpretentious. Known for family-friendly hits Columbus infuses The Thursday Murder Club with a warm accessible tone that aligns with the “cosy crime” genre. The pacing is brisk clocking in at 1 hour 58 minutes ensuring the mystery unfolds without dragging. However some critics have noted that the film feels more like a TV special than a cinematic experience possibly due to its straightforward narrative and lack of visual grandeur.

The cinematography captures the lush English countryside and the opulent Cooper’s Chase creating a visually appealing backdrop. The retirement village, with its manicured gardens and elegant interiors feels like a character in itself contrasting the grim murders with a serene setting. The use of soft lighting and warm tones enhances the cosy vibe making the film inviting despite its dark subject matter.

Script and Adaptation: Faithful Yet Streamlined

Adapted by Katy Brand and Suzanne Heathcote the screenplay stays true to the spirit of Osman’s novel while streamlining certain elements for the screen. Fans of the book will appreciate the retention of key moments such as Joyce’s quirky observations and Elizabeth’s sharp retorts like her disdain for being called a “feisty old lady”. However the film sacrifices some of Joyce’s diary entries which formed a significant part of the novel’s charm reducing her role as the story’s emotional lens.

The dialogue is witty and peppered with British humour making it accessible to Indian audiences who enjoy light-hearted mysteries like Death in Paradise or Midsomer Murders. The script balances humour with poignant moments such as Stephen’s dementia and the group’s reflections on aging though some critics argue it lacks depth in exploring these themes. The mystery itself is engaging with enough red herrings and twists to keep viewers guessing though it’s not overly complex making it suitable for casual viewing.

Themes and Messages: Friendship and Resilience

At its core The Thursday Murder Club celebrates friendship resilience and the idea that age is no barrier to adventure. The film highlights the importance of curiosity courage and teamwork as the retirees tackle a real murder with enthusiasm and wit. It also challenges stereotypes about older individuals showing them as sharp resourceful and vital. Elizabeth’s leadership Ron’s passion Ibrahim’s insight and Joyce’s quiet strength underscore the message that life’s passion and purpose don’t fade with age.

The film also touches on sensitive topics like dementia and loss handled with care through Stephen’s character and the group’s support for each other. However some viewers have expressed discomfort with the depiction of assisted suicide which occurs off-screen but may feel heavy for some audiences. Overall the movie strikes a balance between light-hearted fun and meaningful messages making it a feel-good watch with substance.

Critiques and Areas for Improvement

While The Thursday Murder Club excels in entertainment it’s not without flaws. Some critics argue the film feels rushed with a script that prioritises plot over character depth. The streamlining of Joyce’s role and the omission of certain book details may disappoint hardcore fans. Additionally the mystery while engaging lacks the complexity of classic whodunits making it predictable for seasoned genre fans.

The film’s glossy presentation and straightforward direction while appealing may feel too safe for viewers seeking cinematic innovation. A series format, as suggested by some reviews might have allowed for deeper exploration of the characters and setting. Despite these critiques the movie’s charm and stellar cast make it a satisfying watch for its target audience.

Why Watch The Thursday Murder Club?

The Thursday Murder Club is a delightful blend of humour mystery and heart perfect for viewers seeking an undemanding yet engaging watch. Its stellar cast led by Helen Mirren and Pierce Brosnan delivers performances that elevate the simple narrative. The film’s themes of friendship and resilience resonate universally while its British humour and cosy crime vibe make it a great pick for Indian audiences who enjoy shows like Pushing Daisies or Knives Out.

Whether you’re a fan of the book or new to the story this Netflix film offers a fun escape with just the right amount of intrigue. With potential for sequels, given Osman’s five-book series The Thursday Murder Club is a promising start to a franchise that celebrates the wit and wisdom of its elderly sleuths.