A colorful, rich, and classical dive into the murder mystery we’ve all been waiting for.
We begin…
In a Jewish setting — though not quite the architectural insight you might expect — set in the year 1934.
Excitement and suspense are immediately present as jittering music fills the air. We’re running alongside a child across a sprawling landscape, heading towards an unknown destination.
The answer?
Eggs.
Our main character enters the screen — unnamed at first — with a sharp, witty reply of, “No… no.”
It’s in this brief exchange that we begin to understand him.
He isn’t American, but English. A man bound by OCD and perfection. A man who thrives in balance and order — drawn to the extremes of right or wrong without room for anything in between.
This is a man who does not know mistakes — only certainty.
We’re quickly introduced to his employment — a detective — already mid-case investigating the theft of a priceless jewel from a church.
In the middle of a painted mural sits the empty box where the jewel once resided, and with three suspects before him, Hercule Poirot (Kenneth Branagh) begins his work.
The facts are laid out:
- Boot markings lead upwards to the jewel.
- The suspects — unable to afford such fine boots — are dismissed.
The only remaining suspect?
The man who reported the crime in the first place.
Case closed.
If the movie ended there, it would be both hilarious and incredibly disappointing — but fortunately for us, this is only the beginning.
Poirot’s victory is short-lived. The strain of always seeing the world in black and white weighs heavy on him, and he finds himself in desperate need of a vacation.
Yet even in his pursuit of peace, fate has other plans.
With a sigh of resignation, Poirot boards the Orient Express — a luxury train ride that promises to be uneventful… until it’s not.
As the train barrels through snow-covered landscapes, we’re introduced to a colorful array of passengers — each with their own secrets.
Among the most notable faces is Daisy Ridley (Miss Mary Debenham), stepping away from the galaxy far, far away into this more grounded, yet equally layered role.
But as tempting as it would be to unravel every twist and turn, this isn’t the type of film meant to be spoiled — it’s meant to be experienced.
What I can say is this:
If you’re expecting fast-paced action, brutal fight scenes, or a Sherlock Holmes-style spectacle — you’ll be disappointed.
Murder on the Orient Express is a slow-burn mystery that thrives in its subtlety. Clues are scattered like breadcrumbs, hidden in plain sight for those who choose to look closely.
Beneath the surface, the story explores a question that even the great Hercule Poirot struggles to answer:
Is there truly a middle ground between right and wrong?
With stunning visuals, rich dialogue, and performances that breathe life into Agatha Christie’s timeless novel — this adaptation isn’t just a murder mystery…
It’s a lesson in understanding.
Would I recommend it?
Absolutely.
Just don’t expect to find the answers laid out for you.
Look deeper — if you’re willing.
Or simply sit back and enjoy the beauty of this wonderfully colorful journey aboard… The Orient Express.
