Film Review: The Thursday Murder Club

Richard Osman's cosy mystery book, The Thursday Murder Club, has been made into a movie on Netflix, and here is my review.

As a reader, I'm always wary of book-to-film adaptations. Over the years, there have been some great movies inspired by novels; however, there have also been some not-so-great ones.

A film has to differ in some ways from the original book; you can't put every detail from a novel onto our screens and have the film fit within a normal time limit.

Richard Osman's murder mystery series, The Thursday Murder Club, was picked up quickly by Steven Spielberg for a three-film deal. With the fourth book having just been released, the movie adaptation of book one in the series, The Thursday Murder Club, came out in August.

Now, I must admit I haven't actually read the books yet. They are ones I want to read, and still want to read after having watched the film, but for the purpose of this review, I'm reviewing the movie, having just seen the movie, knowing nothing about the books.

My review of The Thursday Murder Club

Genre: Cosy Mystery

Available to Watch: Netflix

Rating: 4 out of 5

The Thursday Murder Club follows a group of four elderly people living in Coopers Chase, a retirement home. Elizabeth, Ron and Ibrahim are already residents of Coopers Chase, and have named themselves 'The Thursday Murder Club' after their fascination with solving cold cases.

During their recent cold case mystery, provided by Elizabeth's friend, a former police officer, they decide they need someone with medical expertise. When they come across Joyce, she joins the club, having been a nurse.

Joyce is new to the retirement home, but is eager to settle in, despite the attempts by her daughter (played by Richard Osman's wife) to have her live close to her.

With Joyce now part of the Thursday Murder Club, they set out to solve the cold case. However, after witnessing an argument between two of the co-owners/founders of Coopers Chase, they're quickly thrust into a real murder mystery after one of them ends up dead.

From there, the four protagonists set out to solve the case, save Coopers Chase and enjoy their retirement.

The movie has a star-studded cast with Celia Imrie, Helen Mirren, Pierce Brosnan, and Ben Kingsley playing Joyce, Elizabeth, Ron and Ibrahim, respectively. There is also David Tennant, Tom Ellis, Daniel Mays, Naomi Ackie and Jonathan Price.

Whenever a movie has an A-list cast or actors that I've seen in multiple films, it can be hard to just sit and enjoy it because I have preconceived notions of those actors. I've also heard mixed reviews of the film, with those who have read the books saying it's not that great, it's not as serious and almost like a spoof.

However, I disagree.

I actually quite enjoyed The Thursday Murder Club film. Again, I haven't read the books, but taking it as its own film, I liked it.

I thought the actors did a great job, especially David Tennant, who I think is a phenomenal actor. However, I have heard Pierce Brosnan be criticised and some saying Ray Winston should've played Ron.

The film is a light-hearted murder mystery with comedy in it, too. It's not supposed to be serious or hard-hitting. Some wholesome moments and scenes make you think about life, but all in all, The Thursday Murder Club is a movie for families to sit down together and watch.

And that's exactly what my family and I did.

I would happily rewatch The Thursday Murder Club. It is cosy, comforting and just a feel-good murder mystery with great characters.

If you've watched the movie, or read the books, let me know what you thought in the comments below.

Until next time...