The highly anticipated Netflix film adaptation of Richard Osman’s bestselling novel, The Thursday Murder Club, has arrived, and it’s a disappointment for many fans. The film, directed by Chris Columbus, attempts to translate the witty and intricate world of Coopers Chase Retirement Village to the screen but falls short. The original book, a delightful mix of cozy mystery, humor, and heart, becomes a diluted version in this movie, losing its unique tone and emotional core.
Key Takeaways:
- The Netflix film adaptation of The Thursday Murder Club struggles to capture the book’s charm.
- The movie, directed by Chris Columbus, feels rushed and lacks the depth of the source material.
- The humour and character chemistry, which were central to the novel’s appeal, are missing.
- Fans on social media and forums have expressed dissatisfaction with the casting and the simplified plot.
- The film fails to live up to the high expectations set by Richard Osman’s successful book series.
The source material, The Thursday Murder Club, is the first book in a series by British author Richard Osman. Published in 2020, it quickly became a massive hit, selling millions of copies worldwide. The story follows four friends in a retirement community, Elizabeth, Joyce, Ibrahim, and Ron, who meet weekly to solve cold cases. Their peaceful life is upended when a real murder happens on their doorstep, pulling them into a live investigation. The novel is known for its clever plot, sharp dialogue, and memorable characters. It is a testament to Osman’s writing style that the book series has been so popular.
However, the film version seems to have lost the essence of this story. One of the main issues is the pacing. The movie rushes through the plot points, leaving little room for character development or the subtle humor that makes the book so engaging. The quirky interactions between the four lead characters, Elizabeth, played by Helen Mirren; Joyce, played by Celia Imrie; Ibrahim, played by Ben Kingsley; and Ron, played by Pierce Brosnan, feel forced. Their chemistry, which is the heart of the book, is almost non-existent on screen. The film tries to cram too much information into a short runtime, resulting in a confusing and superficial experience. The book’s leisurely, detailed exploration of the mystery is replaced by a hurried sequence of events that fail to build any real tension.
Fans of the book have voiced their frustration online. Discussions on platforms like Reddit and X (formerly Twitter) point to several key problems. Many believe the casting, while featuring big names, doesn’t quite match the spirit of the characters. Helen Mirren, as the clever and cunning Elizabeth, is a good fit, but the rest of the cast struggles to bring the unique personalities of Joyce, Ibrahim, and Ron to life. Some viewers also felt the film’s tone was too serious and lacked the playful, witty nature of the novel. The subtle British humor, which is a big part of Osman’s writing, gets lost in translation. The movie feels more like a generic mystery thriller than a cozy whodunit with a comedic twist.
The movie’s release on Netflix has also raised questions about its potential for a sequel. With the first film’s mixed reception, it’s unclear if Netflix will greenlight adaptations of the subsequent books in the series, such as The Man Who Died Twice and The Bullet That Missed. For now, fans looking for the true spirit of The Thursday Murder Club might be better off sticking with the books.
FAQs
Q. Is The Thursday Murder Club movie a good adaptation of the book?
A. Many readers and critics feel the movie is not a good adaptation, as it simplifies the plot and loses the original’s charm and humor.
Q. Who directed The Thursday Murder Club film?
A. The film was directed by Chris Columbus, known for directing films like Home Alone and the first two Harry Potter movies.
Q. Is there a sequel to The Thursday Murder Club book?
A. Yes, Richard Osman has written several sequels, including The Man Who Died Twice and The Bullet That Missed.
Q. Will there be a sequel movie on Netflix?
A. There has been no official announcement about a sequel movie. The decision will likely depend on the performance and viewer feedback of the first film.
