Ready to enter a hauntingly eerie mansion where the walls whisper secrets, and the air practically drips with mystery? Mark your calendars for September 15, 2023! ‘A Haunting in Venice’ offers a VIP pass to a crumbling palazzo that’s more of a moody character than a mere setting.
Set against the backdrop of Venice’s dark, secretive corners, this film adds another layer of spookiness to a city steeped in mystique. Helmed and starred by the iconic Kenneth Branagh as Hercule Poirot, this isn’t a rollercoaster of thrills that’ll have your heart pounding.
Oh no, this is a slow-burning psychological enigma that’ll leave you muttering, ‘Did that really just happen?’ with every twist and turn.
Trust me, you’ll be pulled deeper into this labyrinthine house and the city’s haunting beauty as you navigate this unique thriller.
Table of Contents
A Haunting Plot That Keeps You Guessing
Retired and disillusioned, Hercule Poirot (Kenneth Branagh) has chosen a life of solitude in post-WWII Venice. But Poirot can’t resist the temptation when his old friend Ariadne Oliver (Tina Fey) shows up with a mysterious offer.
He’s invited to a séance hosted by grieving opera diva Rowena Drake (Kelly Reilly) to expose a fraudulent medium, Mrs. Reynolds (Michelle Yeoh).
But hey, it’s Halloween. Shit hits the fan faster than you can say, “Boo!” A murder occurs, and Poirot returns to the world he tried so hard to leave.
The Devil is in the Details in ‘A Haunting In Venice’
Now, here’s where things get really interesting. Just like me, if you’re the type who notices the nuances—the details, the unspoken words—you might just figure out who the murderer is before the credits roll.
But even if you do, the movie has more layers than an onion. And yes, I figured it out, but I’m not spoiling it for you. That’s on you to discover.
A Different Tina Fey, The Same Exceptional Branagh
Can we talk about Tina Fey for a second? Who knew she could take such a serious role while keeping her irresistible charm? Fey as Ariadne Oliver is a revelation. And Kenneth Branagh? The guy’s a maestro—behind and in front of the camera.
What Really Makes the Film: The Setting
The Venetian backdrop is drop-dead gorgeous! If you’ve got a thing for architecture and atmospheric settings, this movie is like candy for your eyes.
The decaying palazzo where the séance occurs is practically a character on its own. Each room oozes mystery; each corner whispers secrets. This isn’t just a haunted house; it’s a haunted work of art.
Sometimes, the haunted house elements lead in the scenes because the palazzo walls’ mystique seems more intriguing at points than the characters themselves. Still, the tables quickly turn when the characters seem to come alive again.
Perhaps a built-in notion to nod to the creepy, eerie house or just a flaw in the script, but we will never know.
The Missing Elements: What Could’ve Been
While the film is stellar in many respects, it isn’t perfect. Sometimes, you wish the characters would dig deeper into their bag of tricks, especially because we know the depth of the actors in this thriller, but the script is script!
Especially when you know they’ve got more up their sleeves than what’s shown. It’s like walking into a room full of magicians who forgot their magic wands.
An Eerie Ominous Unforgettable Score in ‘A Haunting in Venice’
Let’s not forget the sound effects and music score that impeccably set the stage for each bump in the night while you are entranced viewing ‘A Haunting in Venice.‘
It’s exactly what you’d want in a movie that leaves you questioning what’s real and what’s not.
My Personal Thoughts on ‘A Haunting In Venice’
“A Haunting in Venice” is not just another whodunnit; it’s a ‘what-the-hell-is-happening’ film that grabs you and doesn’t let go. Although it has its flaws, the intricate details, powerful performances, and stunning Venetian haunted palazzo, lantern-lit gondolas, and canals make it a must-watch.
It’s a puzzling narrative surrounded by a supernatural aura and Halloween timing that captivates you from the first scene to the last. So, if you’re up for a thrilling armchair ride to an eerie Venice, this is your flick.
Hot Tip: Don’t forget the extra butter on the popcorn and napkins. And while my movie-going companion shall remain nameless and shameless, butter is popcorn’s BFF at a theater, and she wanted me to make sure to remind you: the more, the better! ~ Dana XO
Disclaimer: I got an early peek at this movie as a media insider, but rest assured, all the razzle-dazzle and snark are 100% my thoughts and opinions. Cheers!
Leave a Reply