Man with Caterpillar on Lip. (2024, Branagh)
Death on the Nile (2022), which is the Kenneth Branagh version of said movie, differs from the Ustinov version in that this is less a subtle send up of the British upper classes, on which author Agatha Christie, I think, built a career, and more an examination of her magnificent detective, Hercule Poirot, as to the costs of being a standout in his field.
And how much his highest standards of excellence has cost him outside of his chosen field – and why.
To this end, we see Poirot prior to the cruise on the Nile, setting up story elements that reinforce Poirot’s sacrifice, but eventually, as with the prior movie, the bodies begin to pile up as we anchor at Abu Simbel.
And Poirot begins to sweat. But maybe for more than reasons than when he was partnered with Ustinov.
An excellent way to spend a couple of hours, although those who idolize the fabled detective may be outraged at the ending.
