If you've always wanted to visit Cooper's Chase, now's your chance. Netflix's new adaptation of Richard Osman's hit murder mystery book series premiered on August 28, and it wasted zero time shooting to the streaming service's No. 1 spot. "Harry Potter" alum Chris Columbus knows how to adapt a best-seller for the big screen, and he's worked his magic again with "The Thursday Murder Club."
"The Thursday Murder Club" follows a quartet of retirees who trade bingo and backgammon nights for cracking cold cases. But when a new case hits too close to home, it's up to them to track down the killer and save their beloved retirement community.
With a charming cast of characters, a surprisingly sharp murder mystery, and some of the most scrumptious-looking desserts I've ever seen, there's a lot to love about this one. It's not perfect, and it trims out significant portions of the book, but it's an easy watch to curl up to this weekend.
Curious about this new Netflix hit? Here's everything you need to know about "The Thursday Murder Club," including a sample of what critics and audiences have said about it.
What is 'The Thursday Murder Club' about?
Four residents of the Cooper’s Chase retirement village — former spy Elizabeth Best (Helen Mirren), a former spy, ex-union leader Ron Ritche (Pierce Brosnan), retired psychiatrist Ibrahim Arif (Ben Kingsley), and the newest recruit, Joyce Meadowcoft (Celia Imrie), a retired nurse — band together to form the eponymous club.
They solve cold cases for fun until they find themselves caught up in a very real murder mystery. With Cooper's Chase threatening to close down and one of the site’s co-owners found dead in suspicious circumstances, the amateur sleuths set out to track down the killer and save the day.
What critics are saying
Critics and audiences have been divided on their feelings for "The Thursday Murder Club." It currently stands at a middling 76% on Rotten Tomatoes, with some calling it a picture-perfect adaptation, while others argue that even its A-list cast and popular source material fail to breathe life into this film. Audiences were even less warm to it, at 56% on the Popcornmeter.
In her three-star review, Roger Ebert's Sheila O'Malley called the film's tone "a little lukewarm," but said its plot "contains enough surprises that the 'whodunit' generates real suspense."
"The film feels more like a television pilot than a stand-alone film, which may be exactly what Netflix is looking for," she added.
The leading actors do a lot of heavy lifting to keep you engaged, many critics said. Particularly Mirren, the undeniable centerpiece of the film. While Elizabeth Best may not be the most layered character of her career, it’s obvious from the very start that Mirren relishes every moment as the group’s natural leader. David Tennant also has a blast, as he always does in a villainous role, as a slimy real estate mogul coming for the club's home.
"It’s pleasant enough to watch the cast parade in their quirky personas for a couple of hours," wrote Robert Lloyd of The Los Angeles Times.
Other assessments weren't quite so generous. Lisa Weidenfeld of The Boston Globe said the adaptation "suffers from abbreviation," and suggested Netflix would have found more success with a miniseries rather than trying to cram everything into a two-hour movie.
Slate's Laura Miller echoed that sentiment in her review. "A TV series would have given the story more room to breathe. Instead, it feels rushed," she wrote. "Furthermore, many of the books’ drollest bits have been dumbed down, presumably for American audiences."
Should you stream 'The Thursday Murder Club' on Netflix?
While it's not a frontrunner for my favorite film of the year, there's still a lot to love about "The Thursday Murder Club." If you're a fan of the leading quartet of actors, Osman's books, or enjoy the fun of watching a "whodunnit" unfold, this is one to add to your watchlist.
It's the kind of breezy watch that's perfect for a long holiday weekend. Even if you've already guessed the ending, the powerhouse ensemble cast delivers much of its appeal. If you've already checked out this new Netflix No. 1 movie and are looking for more streaming recommendations, we've got you covered. We've rounded up the 5 best movies to watch after "The Thursday Murder Club."
Stream "The Thursday Murder Club" now on Netflix.
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