Hercule Poirot (Kenneth Branagh) is the most likable character in ‘Death on the Nile.’ Photograph: © 2020 Twentieth Century Fox Film Corporation. All Rights Reserved.
After an hour into Death on the Nile, your feet have been tapping to old rhythm and blues but the mind is uneasy: Gal Gadot plays the most uninspiring character of her career. Linnet Ridgeway reeks some of the worst personal qualities: She’s not only fearsome but also clueless, and the fancy dresses, makeup, perfume and hairdo, do little to help.
But, who knows, maybe Gadot wanted to play something completely opposite to, say The Bishop in Red Notice, or maybe, needless to say, Wonder Woman, where she kicks ass and radiates some of the best attributes. Or maybe she portrays Ridgeway so well from one of Agatha Christie’s best-loved books. . . . In that case the covers stay shut for this reviewer.
Now, if Gadot’s role was the only problem, maybe one could bite the nails through the flick. But sadly, the whole cast play characters smeared in disgusted jealousies and triangle drama—all wrapped in colorful scenes resembling a screen saver.
It says a lot that the most likable character is detective Hercule Poirot (Kenneth Branagh), who still manages to stay distant from the viewer with a ridiculous mustache and French accent.
This film is also directed by Branagh, and there’s something awkward in that.
It feels like the director has inserted himself in the story just for an abysmal exploration of voyeurism.
‘Death on the Nile’ premieres in Finland on February 11.
