Agatha Christie’s Crooked House is a richly atmospheric and elegantly twisted murder mystery that brings one of the Queen of Crime’s most psychological novels to life. Directed by Gilles Paquet-Brenner, this 2017 adaptation delivers a stylish and slow-burning thriller that lingers long after the credits roll.
The story begins with the mysterious death of Aristide Leonides, a wealthy patriarch of a sprawling and opulent estate. What appears at first to be a natural passing is quickly revealed to be murder by poison. As the investigation unfolds, suspicion falls on each member of the Leonides family—an eccentric, dysfunctional group living under one roof. Their tangled relationships, buried grudges, and insatiable ambitions make every character a viable suspect.
Private investigator Charles Hayward (Max Irons), once romantically linked to Aristide’s granddaughter Sophia, is brought in to solve the crime. As he delves deeper, he uncovers a web of secrets, manipulations, and bitter resentments that paint a chilling portrait of the family. The tension escalates as motives emerge and alibis unravel.
The film boasts a stellar cast: Glenn Close commands every scene as the sharp-tongued matriarch Lady Edith, while Gillian Anderson exudes icy elegance as the scheming Magda. The ensemble’s performances heighten the suspense and lend depth to each suspect’s shadowy motivations.
With lavish cinematography, impeccable period design, and a plot that simmers with tension, Crooked House is a must-watch for fans of classic whodunits. It’s a sophisticated mystery that doesn’t rely on gimmicks but rather on rich storytelling and psychological intrigue. True to Christie’s signature style, the shocking final twist redefines everything you thought you knew.
This is Agatha Christie at her most chilling—intelligent, atmospheric, and utterly enthralling.
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