‘As Gentle As A Game Of Clue.’ Critics Have Seen The Thursday Murder Club, And They’re In Agreement About The Netflix Movie

At present, murder mysteries are experiencing a surge in popularity, largely due to successful TV series and films such as “Only Murders in the Building” and “Knives Out”. In 2025, a well-received novel is set to hit the big screen as part of Netflix’s movie calendar. One of these upcoming movies is “The Thursday Murder Club“, an adaptation of Richard Osman’s book series. Critics had the opportunity to preview the film before its release on August 28, and their overall feedback has been positive, despite the storyline being quite straightforward.

The movie “The Thursday Murder Club” boasts an impressive ensemble cast, humorously referred to as a “killer cast,” featuring Helen Mirren, Pierce Brosnan, Ben Kingsley, Celia Imrie, and others. This film revolves around a group of elderly detectives who find themselves embroiled in a genuine murder case. According to Maggie Lovitt from Collider, while the mystery may not be entirely original, the standout aspect is the talented cast, whose performances could potentially make “The Thursday Murder Club” one of Netflix’s top movies for 2021. Lovitt gives the movie a rating of 9 out of 10.

The Thursday Murder Club is an enchanting film that nails every aspect of the captivating cozy murder mystery genre without its pitfalls. This movie constantly surprises, all while maintaining a climax brimming with unexpected twists, satisfying even those viewers who can unravel the ‘who’ in this whodunit. Katy Brand and Suzanne Heathcote have penned a meticulously written script that masterfully balances suspenseful mystery with captivating characters – both virtuous and nefarious.

According to G. Allen Johnson from the San Francisco Chronicle, it’s clear that both the actors and director Chris Columbus enjoyed themselves tremendously while making this film. Pierce Brosnan’s humor in this production has been reminiscent of his hilarious role in Mrs. Doubtfire, as pointed out by Johnson. In fact, he suggests that Brosnan could star in a dozen more movies from this series without any hesitation. Here are some additional insights from the review of The Thursday Murder Club.

In simpler terms, if you look closely, you’ll discover recurring themes like appreciating the wisdom of experienced individuals, the intricate dynamics between elderly parents and their children, and the conflict between developers prioritizing profit over affordable housing. However, The Thursday Murder Club is primarily enjoyable and delightful, as pleasing as one of Joyce’s tempting desserts. It’s evident that everyone involved had a great time.

According to Caryn James from THR, mysteries similar to “The Thursday Murder Club” are often labeled as “cozy,” and it’s justified because of their charm. Any shortcomings in originality that the series might have are more than made up for by its exceptional cast.

A movie where retirees work on unsolved cases as a pastime – think Clue board game meets Agatha Christie books in terms of charm. It’s got an old-school vibe, yet it brings a twist with its recognizable characters and hints of self-awareness, adding appeal despite the familiarity. This film might not be trendy, but it doesn’t try to be something grander than what it is – simply enjoyable, filled with classic tropes.

According to Manuel Betancourt of Variety, the film offers “delights of a straightforward nature,” and in terms of mystery films, it’s as warm and non-controversial as one could expect from a viewing experience. In simpler terms, the critic is saying that the movie is as comforting and unchallenging as a cozy mystery can be.

In a different phrasing: The Thursday Murder Club doesn’t offer anything particularly new, yet it doesn’t strive to either. Instead, it relies on its comforting patterns and an appealing ensemble to captivate and amuse. Although the intricate (not excessively complex) plot might not venture into uncharted territories, nor do its anticipated surprises – featuring sinister florists, lemon drizzle cakes, foreign laborers, and friendly chess matches. This adaptation of the British whodunit by Columbus is essentially a comfortable watch, and perhaps even too straightforward – just a jigsaw puzzle that neither baffles nor annoys, but merely passively entertains.

According to Stephanie Zacharek from Time, director Chris Columbus excels at creating an enjoyable atmosphere, and this film appears to be centered less around pioneering advancements in the murder mystery genre, but rather on the cast having a delightful time during production. In other words, Zacharek suggests that the focus seems more on the actors’ enjoyment than pushing boundaries within the murder mystery genre.

The narrative of The Thursday Murder Club unfolds subtly, much like wind chimes swaying softly in a light zephyr. It’s a film that you might choose to watch not just for its intricate whodunnit mysteries, but also for the delight of watching seasoned actors enjoying themselves, amidst an enchanting English-village backdrop adorned with immaculate flower beds and cemeteries featuring a mix of old and new gravestones.

In the case of the movie “The Thursday Murder Club”, while critics note that its plot follows a standard formula, they appear to be untroubled by this aspect. Instead, they seem to find the performances of Helen Mirren, Pierce Brosnan and others to be the film’s main appeal. As of now, the movie boasts an 81% score on Rotten Tomatoes based on 32 reviews, suggesting it could make for an enjoyable viewing experience from your home.

On August 28, a Thursday, you’ll be able to stream the thrilling series, “The Thursday Murder Club,” if you have a Netflix subscription.

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2025-08-26 15:41