Murder on the Orient Express* (2017) is a mystery thriller film directed by Kenneth Branagh, based on the famous 1934 novel by Agatha Christie. The film is a remake of the 1974 adaptation and features an all-star ensemble cast. The story is set in the 1930s and follows the renowned Belgian detective Hercule Poirot (played by Branagh), who is traveling aboard the luxurious train, the Orient Express, from Istanbul to Calais.
During the journey, a wealthy American passenger, Samuel Ratchett (Johnny Depp), is found murdered in his compartment. Ratchett had previously sought Poirot’s help, fearing for his life, but the detective had declined. Poirot is asked by the train’s conductor, Monsieur Bouc (Tom Bateman), to investigate the crime, and he takes on the challenge, using his meticulous and brilliant mind to solve the case.
As Poirot interrogates the passengers, he discovers that many of them have hidden secrets. The passengers include a wide range of characters, from a Swedish missionary (Penélope Cruz) to a British governess (Daisy Ridley) and an Italian countess (Michelle Pfeiffer), each of whom may have had a motive to kill Ratchett. The investigation reveals that Ratchett was not his real name, but rather a man named Cassetti, a notorious gangster responsible for the kidnapping and murder of a child years earlier.
Poirot slowly unravels the complex relationships between the passengers and pieces together a shocking and unexpected conclusion. In a surprising twist, it is revealed that all of the passengers were involved in the murder, as they each sought justice for the tragic death of the child that Cassetti had caused. They had all conspired together to kill him, and Poirot is faced with a moral dilemma about whether to reveal the truth or protect them.
The film is visually stunning, with Branagh’s direction showcasing the grandeur and opulence of the Orient Express, as well as the snowy landscapes outside. The performances are strong, particularly Branagh’s portrayal of Poirot, which offers a slightly more emotional and vulnerable take on the iconic detective. *Murder on the Orient Express* explores themes of justice, revenge, and morality, while keeping audiences on edge with its twists and turns. The film was met with generally positive reviews and was a commercial success, though some critics noted that it lacked the suspense and depth of earlier adaptations of Christie’s work.
