Review: The Thursday Murder Club

Published: Wednesday, September 3, 2025 at 3:46 pm

Netflix's "The Thursday Murder Club" Fails to Fully Deliver on Promise

Netflix's adaptation of Richard Osman's novel, "The Thursday Murder Club," boasts a stellar cast, featuring a mix of veteran and rising British talent. The film centers on a group of elderly amateur detectives residing in a luxury retirement home, Coopers Chase. The core group, played by Helen Mirren, Ben Kingsley, and Pierce Brosnan, meets weekly to discuss cold cases, mirroring the activities of a typical social club.

The plot thickens when a murder occurs at Coopers Chase, shifting the focus from a decades-old cold case to a more immediate investigation. The amateur sleuths, joined by a newcomer played by Celia Imrie and a well-meaning police officer portrayed by Naomi Ackie, take it upon themselves to solve the crime, often outperforming the official police force. They navigate a web of suspects and motives, encountering characters played by David Tennant and Richard E. Grant.

While the film presents a promising premise with ample character interaction and numerous leads, it ultimately falls short of delivering on its potential for intrigue. The narrative unfolds at a slow pace, and the suspense is lacking. The film attempts to balance lightheartedness with the gravity of the murders, but the resolution fails to provide a satisfying payoff. The film's focus on evading the truth and neglecting to establish an emotional connection with the audience diminishes the impact of the revelations.

BNN's Perspective: "The Thursday Murder Club" offers a potentially engaging concept and benefits from a talented cast. However, the film's execution, particularly its slow pacing and lack of suspense, prevents it from reaching its full potential. While the lighthearted approach may appeal to some viewers, the lack of emotional depth and a satisfying resolution ultimately leave the audience wanting more.

Keywords: The Thursday Murder Club, Netflix, Richard Osman, Helen Mirren, Pierce Brosnan, Ben Kingsley, Celia Imrie, David Tennant, Naomi Ackie, British, whodunit, murder mystery, film review, crime, comedy, mystery, adaptation, movie, entertainment

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