Agatha Christie fans, listen up! The star-studded 2022 mystery thriller Death on the Nile is heading to Netflix. The captivating adaptation of the Queen of Crime’s 1937 novel sees Kenneth Branagh reprise his role as the legendary detective Hercule Poirot, serving as a thrilling sequel to 2017’s Murder on the Orient Express.
While David Suchet’s iconic portrayal in the ITV series remains my favourite take on the literary sleuth, Kenneth gives him a run for his money with a compelling performance that holds its own. With an ensemble cast featuring Dawn French, Rose Leslie and Annette Bening, this twisty whodunnit is a must-watch for Christie fans.
© Alamy Stock PhotoFind out more below…
What is Death on the Nile about?
During his Egyptian getaway, Hercule Poirot is pulled into a high-stakes investigation after a young heiress is found murdered on a cruise ship sailing down the Nile.
The official synopsis reads: “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.
© Alamy Stock Photo“Set against an epic landscape of sweeping desert vistas and the majestic Giza pyramids, this tale of unbridled passion and incapacitating jealousy features a cosmopolitan group of impeccably dressed travelers, and enough wicked twists and turns to leave audiences guessing until the final, shocking denouement.”
Who stars in Death on the Nile?
Kenneth Branagh leads the cast as the iconic detective Hercule Poirot.
© DisneyHe is joined by an impressive list of suspects, including Tom Bateman, Annette Bening, Russell Brand, Ali Fazal, Dawn French, Gal Gadot, Armie Hammer, Rose Leslie, Emma Mackey, Sophie Okonedo, Jennifer Saunders and Letitia Wright.
What have viewers and critics said about the film?
The response to the film was mixed. While some viewers found the adaptation ‘slow,’ others hailed it as “excellent” and a “fine film for a new generation”.
One viewer penned on social media: “Both Murder on the Orient Express and Death on the Nile are very well done movies. Kenneth Branagh and the rest of the star-studded cast were excellent.”
© DisneyCritics, however, were less impressed. While The Guardian praised Kenneth’s performance as “spirited,” it described the film as “stale and two-dimensional” in a two-star review. Similarly, The Times awarded the “cringey, slapdash mystery” just two stars.
How to watch Death on the Nile
Death on the Nile is coming to Netflix soon, with an exact release date yet to be announced. In the meantime, viewers can watch the film on Disney+.
