Netflix’s The Thursday Murder Club is a breath of fresh air in the murder mystery genre. Adapted from Richard Osman’s hit novel, the film trades gritty crime scenes and hard-boiled detectives for a warm, witty setting in a British retirement village, where colorful residents and endless cups of tea fuel a surprisingly heartfelt mystery. This is not a thriller that leaves you biting your nails, but rather a cozy, character-driven whodunit that celebrates friendship, purpose, and the joys of life, even in your golden years.
Setting the Tone: A Mystery with Warmth
The film opens at Cooper’s Chase, a seemingly idyllic retirement community that feels more like a countryside retreat than a quiet place for the elderly. But don’t be fooled by its perfectly trimmed lawns and serene llama pastures. This quaint setting quickly becomes the backdrop for a double murder. From the very first scenes, the movie makes it clear that it’s not trying to be grim or gritty. Instead, it adopts a warm, humorous tone, leaning into character-driven moments and witty dialogue.
Director Chris Columbus does a fantastic job of balancing humor with heart, allowing audiences to settle in for a film that feels like a warm cup of tea on a rainy evening. The cinematography is bright and inviting, and the pacing keeps you engaged without rushing through the story’s quieter emotional beats.
Meet the Unlikeliest of Detectives
The Thursday Murder Club is a quirky group of retirees who meet every Thursday to reexamine old unsolved cases. Leading them is Elizabeth (Helen Mirren), a sharp and enigmatic former spy whose no-nonsense demeanor commands respect. Beside her is Ron (Pierce Brosnan), a fiery former trade union leader who adds plenty of bravado, Ibrahim (Ben Kingsley), a retired psychiatrist with a calm, wise presence, and Joyce (Celia Imrie), the heart of the group who brings warmth, humor, and plenty of homemade cakes.
What makes these characters so lovable is how fully realized they feel. Each of them has a history, a personality, and their own unique reasons for diving into detective work. They aren’t just caricatures of sweet old people but fully fleshed out individuals whose intelligence and life experience give them a surprising edge in solving crimes.
First Half: Setting Up the Mystery
The first half of the movie introduces us to the dynamic between the four friends and sets the stage for the main mystery. The group stumbles upon a suspicious death tied to a shady real estate deal involving their retirement village. Instead of waiting for the police to solve it, they take matters into their own hands, using their unique life skills to chase leads.
This portion of the movie feels playful and lighthearted. We get scenes of Joyce snooping around with innocent charm, Ibrahim skillfully extracting details from reluctant witnesses, and Elizabeth using her spy-level tactics to outwit security systems and shady suspects. The humor is gentle but smart, making it easy to fall in love with these characters.
Second Half: Twists, Tension, and Heartfelt Moments
The second half picks up momentum as the group realizes the stakes are higher than they imagined. A second murder adds complexity to the case, and soon they’re drawn into a web of secrets, blackmail, and long-buried grudges. While the mystery itself isn’t overly complicated, this isn’t a Knives Out style puzzle box, the film’s real strength is in the characters and emotional beats.
There’s a touching subplot involving Elizabeth’s husband, whose dementia adds depth and vulnerability to her otherwise composed character. A tender scene where they share a slow dance to an old love song is one of the film’s most moving moments, adding emotional weight without feeling manipulative. These heartfelt touches help the story rise above being just another mystery movie.
Performances That Shine
The cast is what truly elevates The Thursday Murder Club. Helen Mirren is effortlessly captivating as Elizabeth, perfectly balancing charm and steel. Pierce Brosnan is a delightful surprise, bringing humor and swagger to Ron while also showing his softer side. Ben Kingsley’s portrayal of Ibrahim is calm and comforting, a grounding presence among the chaos. Celia Imrie steals nearly every scene she’s in, giving Joyce warmth and humor that make her the film’s beating heart.
The chemistry between these veteran actors is undeniable. Their banter feels natural and genuinely funny, making you want to spend more time with them beyond the mystery. Supporting cast members, including David Tennant in a small but memorable role as a sleazy businessman, add flavor without stealing focus from the central quartet.
Book vs Movie: How Does the Adaptation Hold Up?
Fans of Richard Osman’s novel will be pleased to see that the movie stays true to its source material while trimming some of the book’s slower moments to keep the pacing sharp. The witty, classic British humor of the novel is preserved beautifully, and most of the character relationships feel exactly as readers imagined them.
However, some side plots and supporting characters from the book have been condensed or removed altogether. While purists may miss a few details, the adaptation wisely focuses on the heart of the story, the Thursday Murder Club members themselves, making it easier for newcomers to jump into the narrative without feeling lost.
This balance between faithfulness and accessibility is a big reason why the movie works so well. It captures the spirit of Osman’s writing without feeling like a scene-by-scene recreation, giving audiences something familiar yet fresh.
Strengths and Weaknesses
One of the biggest strengths of this movie is its unique tone. It’s rare to see a genuinely comforting murder mystery, but this film manages to pull it off. The focus is more on relationships and character dynamics than on shock value or overly complex plotting, which makes it a refreshing change of pace.
That said, fans looking for an edge-of-your-seat thriller may find the story a little too relaxed. Some of the twists are predictable, and a few plot resolutions feel a bit too neat. But in a way, that’s part of the charm. The movie isn’t trying to outsmart you; it’s inviting you to enjoy the ride.
Verdict: A Cozy Mystery Worth Watching
The Thursday Murder Club is a feel-good whodunit that stands out in a genre often dominated by dark, gritty thrillers. It’s a gentle yet engaging film that invites viewers to slow down, enjoy some laughs, and spend time with characters who feel like old friends.
If you’re a fan of British humor, clever banter, and mysteries that are more about charm than chills, this movie will be right up your alley. It’s perfect for a family movie night, a rainy Sunday afternoon, or anyone looking for a break from overly intense thrillers.
Score: 4 out of 5 stars – A delightful adaptation that proves murder mysteries don’t always have to be dark to be satisfying.
FAQs
A: The film follows a group of retirees who meet weekly to solve cold cases, only to find themselves investigating a real murder.
A: Yes! It’s based on Richard Osman’s bestselling novel of the same name.
A: The movie is streaming exclusively on Netflix, making it perfect for a cozy movie night at home.
A: Helen Mirren, Pierce Brosnan, and Ben Kingsley lead the cast, bringing warmth and wit to their roles as senior detectives.
A: Absolutely! While it’s not a dark, twist-heavy thriller, it’s a feel-good whodunit packed with lovable characters, British humor, and emotional depth.
A: Netflix hasn’t officially announced a sequel yet, but given the book series’ popularity, there’s a strong chance we’ll see more adventures from this quirky club.
A: No, The Thursday Murder Club is based on Richard Osman’s bestselling fictional novel.
A: 1 hour 58 minutes
A: Not at all! The film is enjoyable on its own, though reading the book adds depth and fun Easter eggs for fans of the series.
A: Yes! While it features murder mysteries, the tone is light and cozy, making it a great pick for a relaxing family movie night.
