A Haunting in Venice (2023)

A Haunting in Venice (2023) is a stylish and atmospheric supernatural mystery set in post-World War II Venice, drawing viewers into a world of intrigue, grief, and the unseen. Directed by and starring Kenneth Branagh as the iconic Belgian detective Hercule Poirot, the film is loosely based on Agatha Christie's 1969 novel Hallowe'en Party, reimagined with a chilling gothic twist.

The story unfolds on an eerie Halloween night as Poirot, now retired and living in self-imposed isolation in Venice, is drawn into an unsettling evening when a friend and famed author persuades him to attend a séance at a decaying, palazzo-turned-orphanage. The event is meant to expose the medium as a fraud, but as the night progresses, it becomes clear that the gathering is more than a simple parlor trick.

What begins as a quiet investigation of spiritualist theatrics quickly turns sinister as tensions rise, and inexplicable phenomena begin to occur. Poirot, ever the rationalist, finds himself wrestling with questions of the supernatural, forced to confront mysteries that defy logic and science. The crumbling Venetian mansion, with its labyrinthine halls, shadowy corners, and echoing past, becomes a character in its own right—claustrophobic, haunting, and dripping with atmosphere.

With a richly drawn ensemble cast, each with secrets of their own, the film delves into the darker corners of human emotion—grief, guilt, and the lengths people will go to escape their past. The screenplay balances psychological drama with traditional whodunit structure, creating a tension that simmers throughout.

Branagh’s portrayal of Poirot is more introspective than ever, showing a detective haunted not just by the potential of ghosts, but by the moral weight of a lifetime spent uncovering human darkness. The film also stands out for its striking cinematography—moody candlelight, stormy skies, and reflections in water all contributing to a dreamlike, sometimes nightmarish visual experience.

A Haunting in Venice is not just a murder mystery; it’s an exploration of belief and doubt, the limits of rationality, and the ghost stories we tell ourselves to survive. It blends classic Agatha Christie suspense with gothic horror elements, resulting in a chilling and elegant film that both fans of Poirot and newcomers can enjoy.