‘A Haunting in Venice’ is a captivating and suspenseful thriller that takes the viewer on a chilling journey through the iconic city of Venice. I enjoyed the blend and balance of the supernatural elements and the historical backdrop in this film. The story takes place in a Venetian palazzo, rumored to be haunted by the ghosts of girls and boys who died during the plague. Moreover, the film explores themes of occult phenomena, revenge, faith, justice, and touches on the historical and social context of post-war Italy. It is noteworthy to mention that this cinematic adaptation is loosely based on Agatha Christie’s 1969 novel Halloween Party.
Director Kenneth Branagh provides a kinetic direction with lots of twists and turns, and multiple interesting reveals allowing the audience to revel in its mystery with a methodical and purposeful pace. Branagh is excellent as Detective Poirot – I enjoyed his wry, clever one-liners and masterful explanations of cause-and-effect. Tina Fey and Jamie Dornan were also standouts, each giving magnetic and layered performances.
The highlight for me was the cinematography. It captures the scenic beauty of Venice and spookiness through the enchanting canals/waterways and charming architecture. The haunting atmosphere and mysterious vibes of the city are effectively captured on film, making for some genuinely spooky moments. Moreover, the camera work had some interesting angles, such as sideways-slanted of piazzas and upward-gazing shots. The gorgeous frames, stylistic choices, and color palettes added to the narrative.
I also thought the sound design was great. The echoing footsteps, eerie whispers, and goosebumps inducing music succeed in creating a sense of anticipation. The film utilizes these elements to its advantage, building tension and suspense keeping the audience engaged.
In summary, ‘A Haunting in Venice’ captures the charm, cleverness, and twists of a classic whodunnit murder style film. I also loved Branagh’s Murder on The Orient Express so naturally I had to see this one! I highly recommend both!
