‘The Thursday Murder Club’ Review: Veteran Stars Bring Charm to a Whodunit That Plays It Safe

The Thursday Murder Club has officially made the jump from bestseller to screen, bringing Richard Osman’s beloved 2020 novel to life with an all-star cast and plenty of cosy crime vibes. Directed by Chris Columbus and streaming on Netflix, the film adaptation sticks to the original’s whimsical premise: four elderly residents at a peaceful English retirement village turn amateur sleuths and find themselves in the middle of a real murder mystery.

It’s a recipe that worked wonders in print—balancing wit, warmth, and tightly plotted suspense—and while the film doesn’t quite replicate the book’s sharpness, it delivers a pleasant ride powered by its talented, charming cast.

A Starry Ensemble That Carries the Case

Let’s be honest—Helen Mirren, Pierce Brosnan, Ben Kingsley, and Celia Imrie could read from a phonebook and still entertain. Fortunately, here they’re given more to do, playing the unlikely detective squad who meet weekly to discuss cold cases. Their dynamic, full of gentle ribbing and affectionate bickering, is what gives the film its heart.

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Mirren’s Elizabeth anchors the group with icy poise and quiet steel, while Brosnan’s Ron adds swagger and warmth. Kingsley brings a reserved intelligence to the often-overlooked Ibrahim, though the script underuses him. Imrie, as Joyce, is the group’s moral compass and emotional glue. Their chemistry is genuine and the friendships feel lived-in, which keeps the film afloat even when the mystery loses steam.

Murder Comes Knocking—Again and Again

What starts as a cold case from 1973 soon spirals into something more urgent when new murders occur within the retirement home itself. This creates a fun blend of past and present, with the club trying to solve both decades-old secrets and fresh deaths—all while sidestepping the police and meddling in ways both adorable and genuinely clever.

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The supporting cast brings further colour, including Naomi Ackie and Daniel Mays as the two official investigators constantly two steps behind, Tom Ellis as Ron’s estranged son, and David Tennant as the shady owner of Cooper Chase. Jonathan Pryce adds gravitas as Elizabeth’s husband Stephen, whose fading memory adds emotional depth to the story.

Light on Suspense, Heavy on Comfort

While the cast shines, the storytelling doesn’t always keep pace. The film avoids taking risks, opting for a safe, easygoing tone that makes it more cosy drama than thrilling mystery. The cinematography is serviceable but uninspired, and the pacing—especially in the middle act—can feel sluggish.

Some characters are barely sketched, especially secondary residents of the village and even key players like Ibrahim, whose personal story arcs get trimmed down. The mystery itself is also streamlined compared to the book, reducing the number of suspects and red herrings. This makes it easier to follow, sure, but less twisty and satisfying for true mystery lovers.

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A Feel-Good Reminder That Age Is Just a Number

What The Thursday Murder Club lacks in edge, it makes up for in spirit. It’s not trying to be Knives Out or Broadchurch—it’s something gentler, cozier, and warmer. The film shines brightest when it leans into the emotional truths of aging: friendship, loss, relevance, and resilience.

And in an industry that rarely puts older characters front and center—especially as active heroes—it’s refreshing to see a film where the leads are past retirement age but still razor-sharp and fully engaged.

Final Verdict

3.5 out of 5 stars

The Thursday Murder Club won’t leave you guessing until the final minute, but it will leave you smiling. Thanks to a loveable cast, good-natured humour, and just enough intrigue, this Netflix adaptation is a light, enjoyable watch that proves you’re never too old to solve a murder—or steal the show.