Chris Columbus has done an excellent job with this murder mystery film. He has a special place in my heart already, as he directed the first two Harry Potter movies, which defined a big part of my childhood. That nostalgic affection probably made me even more excited to see his take on Richard Osman’s beloved novel.
This film reminded me a little of Only Murders in the Building, mainly because of the quirky humor, the focus on unlikely detectives, and of course the fact that it revolves around older people trying to solve a murder. Instead of New York apartments, the action takes place in a quiet English retirement village, which gives the whole film a different kind of charm.
The story is set in Coopers Chase, a luxury retirement home. Within it is the Thursday Murder Club, a group of residents who meet weekly in the Jigsaw Room to dig into unsolved crimes. The group is made up of four unlikely friends: former MI5 agent Elizabeth (Helen Mirren), ex–trade union leader Ron (Pierce Brosnan), retired psychiatrist Ibrahim (Ben Kingsley), and nurse-turned-grandmother Joyce (Celia Imrie). They originally get their cases from Elizabeth’s late friend, a retired police officer, but soon find themselves tangled up in a real murder investigation that puts their wits, courage, and friendship to the test.
The casting is one of the film’s greatest strengths. Seeing icons like Mirren, Brosnan, Kingsley, and Imrie bounce off each other is a joy, but there are also excellent supporting performances from David Tennant, Richard E. Grant, and Naomi Ackie. Columbus keeps the tone light while still giving us enough suspense to keep the mystery engaging.
The script is simple but sharp, mixing genuine intrigue with laugh-out-loud moments. I particularly enjoyed how the film sprinkles in clever references to other famous movies and cultural moments. For example, there’s a funny scene where Steven (Elizabeth husband) comments on Elizabeth’s outfit, joking that she “looks like The Queen,” which is a playful nod to Helen Mirren’s Oscar-winning role without ever feeling forced. The film also includes homages to classic spy movies, British crime dramas, and subtle nods to Murder on the Orient Express, adding extra enjoyment for film buffs while keeping the story accessible to everyone.
Critics haven’t been overly kind, with Empire giving it 2/5 and The Guardian claiming the plot accelerated “to the point of daftness” in the final act. Personally, I think that’s far too harsh. Yes, the ending might be a little predictable, but not every film needs a jaw-dropping twist to be enjoyable. Sometimes, it’s about the ride, the characters, and the cozy comfort of watching a story unfold exactly how you hope it might.
For me, The Thursday Murder Club is exactly that: cozy, witty, and thoroughly enjoyable. It might not reinvent the wheel, but it doesn’t need to. It’s the kind of film you can sit back and watch with a smile on your face, and sometimes that’s more valuable than a complicated, overly serious mystery.
If you loved Osman’s book, or if you’re simply in the mood for a charming British whodunit with a star-studded cast, this film is well worth your time.