The Thursday Murder Club Review – Surprisingly Decent
Netflix dropped The Thursday Murder Club on August 28th, and it has already climbed to the top of the platform’s charts, overtaking K-Pop Demon Hunters. Adapted from Richard Osman’s best-selling novel, this cozy whodunnit is set in Kent, UK, and boasts a heavyweight cast: Dame Helen Mirren, Pierce Brosnan, Sir Ben Kingsley, Celia Imrie, and even David Tennant. With such acting royalty on display, it felt impossible not to check out what this quirky murder mystery had to offer.
I’ll admit upfront, I haven’t read the book. I went in blind, with no baggage of fan expectations. All I expected was a murder mystery with a few twists, some retirees playing amateur detectives, and a slightly cheeky vibe similar to Netflix’s Murder Mystery movies. On that front, the film mostly delivered. Was it a tense, edge-of-your-seat thriller? Not really. But was it a fun way to spend a Saturday afternoon? Absolutely.
Plot Overview
The story takes place at the luxurious Cooper’s Chase retirement village near the fictional seaside town of Fairhaven in Kent. A group of pensioners form “The Thursday Murder Club,” a quirky collective dedicated to solving unsolved cases. The group consists of:
- Elizabeth Best (Helen Mirren): A former MI6 agent with sharp instincts.
- Ron Ritchie (Pierce Brosnan): An ex-union leader with a fiery personality.
- Joyce Meadowcroft (Celia Imrie): A retired nurse who brings medical expertise.
- Ibrahim Arif (Ben Kingsley): A psychiatrist with a knack for reading people.
At first, the club is more hobby than business. They spend their days poring over cold cases, relishing the thrill of detective work. Things take a sharp turn when a property developer and co-owner of Cooper’s Chase is murdered. His death conveniently clears the way for his shady business partner Ian Ventham (David Tennant) to push through redevelopment plans. Sensing foul play, the Thursday Murder Club decides to graduate from cold cases to an active investigation.
How the Mystery Unfolds
The first act sets up the dynamic of the club, retirees with sharp wit, life experience, and an irreverent sense of humor. Joyce’s arrival adds a touch of warmth, giving the group a sense of balance and an insider’s medical knowledge.
As the story progresses, more characters are pulled into the web of suspicion. The casting of Tom Ellis (yes, Lucifer himself) practically screams mischief, and the film leans into that expectation. Certain clues are glaringly obvious but others sneak up on you.
The runtime clocks in at just over 90 minutes, and the pacing is brisk. The film doesn’t waste much time dragging out red herrings, instead balancing lighter moments of humor with steady revelations. While not every twist lands perfectly, there’s enough intrigue to keep you guessing until the end.
Performances and Tone
What really elevates the film is the cast. Helen Mirren delivers her lines with effortless sharpness, Pierce Brosnan gives Ron a mix of charm and bluster, and Ben Kingsley adds a quiet touch of humor and reflection. Celia Imrie holds the group together with an approachable warmth that makes her instantly likable. Even when the mystery falters, the actors keep things engaging.
The tone is another big plus. The film never tips into darkness, nor does it treat its elderly leads as comic relief. Instead, it finds humor in their quirks, wit, and interactions, creating a light but clever energy. That balance ensures the story remains playful without ever feeling like it’s mocking its characters.
Where the Film Stumbles
That said, The Thursday Murder Club isn’t free of flaws. The story relies on a few convenient developments, the kind that make you raise an eyebrow if you stop to think too hard about them. Some side characters are undercooked, and the narrative occasionally feels like it’s rushing through plot beats rather than letting them breathe.
Character development also takes a back seat to the mystery itself. Beyond their introductions, the club members don’t really change or evolve throughout the film. Their dynamic is entertaining, but it feels static by the time the credits roll.
Perhaps the most noticeable issue is the structure. At times, the film plays more like an extended TV pilot than a full-fledged movie. With a slightly shorter runtime, it could easily pass as the first episode of a limited series. Given that Osman’s novels form a series, it wouldn’t be surprising if Netflix has that very plan in mind.
Final Thoughts
So, what’s the verdict? The Thursday Murder Club is a good-natured, breezy mystery movie. It won’t challenge you with labyrinthine plotting, but it will entertain you with sharp performances, comic timing, and enough twists to scratch that whodunnit itch. Fans of Richard Osman’s book may nitpick omissions or changes, but as a standalone movie, it works.
If you’re looking for something dark, gritty, or pulse-pounding, this isn’t it. But if you want a charming, lighthearted murder mystery to unwind with, this is a solid pick.
Stream It or Skip It?
If you enjoy murder mysteries grounded in human motives rather than outlandish action, this film is worth streaming. It’s not a genre-defining masterpiece, but it’s cozy, funny, and just the right length to keep you entertained without overstaying its welcome.
Rating:
That’s our take on The Thursday Murder Club. Did you enjoy Netflix’s attempt at bringing Richard Osman’s story to the screen? Or did you feel the book deserved better treatment? Drop your thoughts in the comments. We’d love to hear if the twists worked for you or if you guessed the killer early. And if you’re a fan of movies, stick around. We’ve got plenty more reviews and recommendations coming your way. Till then catch The Thursday Murder Club on Netflix.
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