This is a cheeky bit of fun, isn't it? Writer Tom Dalton and director Terry Loane have concocted a splendid murder mystery modeled after Agatha Christie, but here centering her as a protagonist. It's worth noting, perhaps, that this picture adopts a more somber tone than adaptations of the author's work often do; while the likes of Hercule Poirot are known for their wit as much as their intelligence, 'Agatha and the truth of murder' rather denotes the truth that reality is uglier than fiction. Setting that aside, this quite looks and feels just as we'd expect. I won't say that it's wholly essential, but it's well done, and worthwhile on its own merits.
The cast is terrific, with Ruth Bradley especially notable in the nuanced range she demonstrates as Agatha - though that's hardly to count out anyone else involved, for they're all just as swell. While the narrative Dalton has whipped up is solid generally, I think it is a tad on the light side, and maybe a bit direct; on the other hand, the resolution of the plot is delightful. Meanwhile, the little details that round out that story are splendid, with strong dialogue and characters above all, and sturdy scene writing. I admire Loane's direction, giving that screenplay form, and the crew also put in fine work - production design, art direction, costume design, Damien Elliott's cinematography.
I mean it as no offense to anyone involved when I say that this feels less like a mystery one can meaningfully sink their teeth into, and more like a flavorful whimsy to enjoy in passing. This is, after all, a TV movie. This is no inherent mark against it however, and it's plentifully enjoyable - that is, it's all it needs to be. Those seeking the most complex and absorbing of titles may find themselves disappointed, while anyone just broadly looking for something entertaining will feel right at home. As if to emphasize the point, I find it difficult to speak at greater length about this film, for there's not an especial amount of depth to it. Suffice to say that 'Agatha and the truth of murder' isn't necessarily a must-see, but if you have the chance to watch, it's a pleasant way to spend 90 minutes.
The cast is terrific, with Ruth Bradley especially notable in the nuanced range she demonstrates as Agatha - though that's hardly to count out anyone else involved, for they're all just as swell. While the narrative Dalton has whipped up is solid generally, I think it is a tad on the light side, and maybe a bit direct; on the other hand, the resolution of the plot is delightful. Meanwhile, the little details that round out that story are splendid, with strong dialogue and characters above all, and sturdy scene writing. I admire Loane's direction, giving that screenplay form, and the crew also put in fine work - production design, art direction, costume design, Damien Elliott's cinematography.
I mean it as no offense to anyone involved when I say that this feels less like a mystery one can meaningfully sink their teeth into, and more like a flavorful whimsy to enjoy in passing. This is, after all, a TV movie. This is no inherent mark against it however, and it's plentifully enjoyable - that is, it's all it needs to be. Those seeking the most complex and absorbing of titles may find themselves disappointed, while anyone just broadly looking for something entertaining will feel right at home. As if to emphasize the point, I find it difficult to speak at greater length about this film, for there's not an especial amount of depth to it. Suffice to say that 'Agatha and the truth of murder' isn't necessarily a must-see, but if you have the chance to watch, it's a pleasant way to spend 90 minutes.