Richard Osman’s 2020 debut novel The Thursday Murder Club became a global phenomenon, redefining the ‘cosy crime’ genre with charm, humour, and clever puzzles. Netflix’s big-budget adaptation, directed by Chris Columbus and featuring Helen Mirren, Pierce Brosnan, Ben Kingsley, Celia Imrie, David Tennant and Naomi Ackie, had everything going for it. Yet, despite the glittering cast, the film feels glossy but hollow — more style than substance.
The plot: Coopers Chase turns into crime scene
Set in Coopers Chase, a luxurious retirement home that looks more like an English estate, the story follows four eccentric retirees. Elizabeth (Helen Mirren), a sharp ex-intelligence officer; Ron (Pierce Brosnan), a fiery ex-trade union leader; Ibrahim (Ben Kingsley), a retired psychiatrist; and Joyce (Celia Imrie), a nurse with a sweet tooth, form the quirky “Thursday Murder Club.” When the shady owner of the estate Ian Ventham (David Tennant) clashes with his business partners, violence erupts, dragging the Club into their first real case. Local detectives Donna (Naomi Ackie) and Chris (Daniel Mays) try to investigate, but the elderly sleuths prove far smarter than expected.
The cast shines brighter than the story
If the film works at all, it is because of its powerhouse cast. Helen Mirren brings elegance and authority, Pierce Brosnan delivers swagger, Ben Kingsley anchors the group with sharp humour, and Celia Imrie adds warmth. Their chemistry is undeniable, keeping the film afloat even when the plot collapses under weak writing. Jonathan Pryce also makes a moving impact as Elizabeth’s husband, tenderly portraying the struggles of dementia. Unfortunately, this starry ensemble is let down by a script that never lives up to its potential.
Verdict: A glossy distraction, nothing more
Chris Columbus gives The Thursday Murder Club a polished, watchable sheen, but the mystery lacks bite. Unlike Osman’s witty and warm novel, the film feels predictable and shallow. Netflix had the ingredients for a charming cosy crime hit, but the end product is little more than disposable entertainment. For fans of Helen Mirren or Pierce Brosnan, it may be a harmless diversion — but mystery lovers will walk away unsatisfied.
Final Note
The Thursday Murder Club proves that not even Helen Mirren, Pierce Brosnan, and a stellar cast can save a mystery when the writing is this weak. Netflix had the perfect source material and a golden ensemble, yet squandered the opportunity. What could have been a witty, charming franchise-starter ends up as a forgettable streaming filler.
