Helen Mirren, Pierce Brosnan and Ben Kingsley lead a star-studded and charming murder mystery for Netflix that’s more pleasant than afternoon tea

The Snapshot: With its composed blend of humour, heart, and homicide, Chris Columbus’ newest comedy delivers an entertaining caper in the lives of some senior detectives.

The Thursday Murder Club

7 out of 10

PG, 1hr 58mins. Crime Mystery Comedy.

Directed by Chris Columbus.

Starring Helen Mirren, Pierce Brosnan, Ben Kingsley, Celia Imrie, Naomi Ackie, David Tennant and Jonathan Pryce.

Now streaming on Netflix for subscribers.

After spending a few hours with The Thursday Murder Club, I can’t imagine a more splendid place to retire than Cooper’s Chase retirement village. 

Why? It seems to be the only estate on Earth (or at least in Fairhaven) where crooked criminals can be murdered in the morning and the locals enjoy a calm, stimulating tea and cake in the afternoon.

Netflix has produced a rare gem in their original programming with a film brimming with charm and curiosity. They haven’t produced a comedy with as much wit and intrigue since their 2019 smash-hit Knives Out.

The film is a faithful adaptation of comedian Richard Osman’s 2020 novel, but the great success rides on the script’s endearing ensemble, featuring several retirees who now solve cold case murders as a (sensible?) pastime.

Helen Mirren wryly leads the cast as Elizabeth, the club’s leader, but she’s surrounded by three terrific friends to round out the group: Pierce Brosnan’s gruffly gentle Ron, Celia Imrie’s bubbly ex-nurse Joyce, and Ben Kingsley as psychiatrist and bowtie aficionado Ibrahim.

All members of the lead quartet feature great performers playing great characters. They’re all intelligent, heartfelt, have great comedic timing and show cunning in resilience against the vague ageism that stops them from their quest.

Most of the plot surrounds the club working on their first present-day murder case, when the nephew of a resident (and, of course, coincidental co-owner of the retirement village!) is found murdered in his living room – and solving the case is the only way to prevent Cooper’s Chase from being sold to developers.

This is the only real shortcoming of The Thursday Murder Club. The plot is too tidy and obviously interconnected for any sense of real danger or suspense to heighten the stakes. Even though following the clues and its eventual solving is satisfying, the happy ending is clear from the start.

The film’s winsome and optimistic tone come from its writing, yes, but are amplified greatly by director Chris Columbus, best known for directing famous comedies like Home Alone and Mrs. Doubtfire.

Columbus’ smoothness in camera, editing, and humour are a perfect match for this story. The pacing, however, is simplistic and soothing, which is a double-edged sword. While the movie is easy to watch and enjoy, it also means most details are spoon fed to audiences without much subtext or depth.

Maybe that’s okay. There are several unfunny, pandering comedies of senior friends finding new opportunities, and this film is far superior to many of them. (I still shudder at the memory of sports comedy 80 for Brady, still one of the worst films ever reviewed by this news.)

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The likeable essence of The Thursday Murder Club is in the strong characterizations of its cast. With every case they solved my hope for membership only grew stronger. After a few days relaxing at Cooper’s Chase, I’d bet yours will too.