The Thursday Murder Club (2025) Review!!

Synopsis – Four irrepressible retirees spend their time solving cold case murders for fun, but their casual sleuthing takes a thrilling turn when they find themselves with a real whodunit on their hands.

My Take – Like most I too love a good mystery. Although the sub-genre that has existed long enough for the tropes to become well-established, a solid spin on a familiar tale needs only a few sets of good kills, misdirection, a cast of charming characters, and a right sense of plot to make for an entertaining experience.

But not all murder stories have to be gory. Instead, they can be light and comforting. And that’s exactly what this latest Netflix release is all about.

Based on the first (of the five) novel of a series written by Richard Osman, which belong a specific sub-genre of mystery dubbed “cozy crime,” where amateur sleuths investigate crimes and the readers aren’t subjected to the usual edgier elements inherent to such stories, like grisly depictions of death etc., this adaptation, particularly in the hands of director Chris Columbus (Home Alone, Harry Potter and the Sorcerer’s Stone), works more like a cheeky and modestly entertaining trip across the countryside.

Sure, its polished cast and a touch of self-awareness add to the lack of originality, but it is also nice to director Columbus return to such a playful, light-hearted romp that contains no cynicism, as it’s easily the most accomplished film he’s made in a while. The resulting feature may not be a classic, but it doesn’t pretend to be anything more and if it ends up starting a franchise it would do a lot good.

The story follows former MI6 spy Elizabeth Best (Helen Mirren), retired psychiatrist Ibrahim Ari (Ben Kingsley), and ex-trade union leader Ron Ritchie (Pierce Brosnan), residents of Coopers Chase, a British retirement community, which is very different from a regular retirement facility as it allows them their freedom while being a part of a community.

But while most of the residents keep themselves busy by indulging in leisure activities such as arts & crafts work, archery etc., the trio use the puzzle room to hold secret meetings in which they discuss cold cases, hoping to solve them. And when their latest mystery requires a medical opinion, retired nurse Joyce (Celia Imrie) is quickly accepted as a new member.

However, their investigations become less theoretical when an actual murder occurs, something which threatens to disrupt the comforting status of Coopers Chase.

Screenwriters Katy Brand and Suzanne Heathcote streamline much of the novel’s dense and twisty plot into a cohesive narrative that fits into 118 minutes, while director Columbus crafts a visually compelling narrative. Although it wouldn’t take a mystery expert to figure out where the case is headed, the film works well enough as a “cozy” entertainer.

Mainly, as the narrative relies on the audience’s awareness of the archetypes of the genre, and moves at a quick enough pace to establish all the required components. Including the allies to the group from the kind spirited police officer PC Donna De Freitas (Naomi Ackie), whose talents have been ignored by her haughty superior, DCI Chris Hudson (Daniel Mays) to Ron’s son Jason (Tom Ellis), who initially arrives to visit his aging father, only to find himself listed as a suspect.

While the film has a delightful series of mini-mysteries that justify its two-hour running time, it’s the depth and personality brought by the cast that make it so engaging. The film’s indirect commentary on ageing, passion, sensitivity and selflessness adds emotional depth to the narrative, despite its theme of crime investigation.

It’s refreshing to see a film centered on old protagonists that doesn’t demean them and seems to generally care about issues that affect them. Instead of inserting lazy jokes about brittle bones and popping pills, the film shows how the insights and compassion of an older generation have been ignored. It’s also surprisingly nuanced in its depiction of how familial relationships can be strained.

Yes, the flatness of the central case does put a dent in the film’s pacing and its reliance on convenience becomes a bit more frustrating especially when previously less established characters begin to have more significance in tying off loose ends. However, the compact storytelling keeps the viewers engrossed in the characters and its multiple red herrings. With four other books in the series, Netflix better get cracking to adapt the rest as soon as possible.

Performances wise, Helen Mirren is in her excellent stern and elegant mode as always, while Pierce Brosnan and Ben Kingsley nail the little comedic moments. Celia Imrie is good fun being the enthusiastic newcomer to the group. Jonathan Pryce is surprisingly moving as Stephen, Elizabeth’s spouse who has dementia.

David Tennant is excellent in full-sleaze mode, Naomi Ackie is appealing as a police officer who aches for exciting work, and Daniel Mays very funny as her clueless boss. Henry Lloyd Hughes, Tom Ellis, Geoff Bell, and Richard E. Grant make for a likable supporting cast. On the whole, ‘The Thursday Murder Club‘ is a modestly entertaining cozy murder mystery that is pleasant, familiar and reassuring.