The Thursday Murder Club Review ★★★★
Netflix’s adaptation of Richard Osman’s record-breaking debut novel The Thursday Murder Club arrives with high expectations — and it delivers a warm, witty, and thoroughly British treat.
Netflix’s adaptation of Richard Osman’s record-breaking debut novel The Thursday Murder Club arrives with high expectations — and it delivers a warm, witty, and thoroughly British treat that proves irresistible.
Set in the quiet retirement village of Coopers Chase, the film follows a group of sharp-witted pensioners who meet every week to dig into unsolved cold cases. Their cosy hobby suddenly turns serious when a local property developer is murdered, and they find themselves in the thick of an investigation that’s every bit as twisty as anything they’ve read about in the papers.
What makes the film shine is its cast. Seeing screen treasures like Celia Imrie and Pierce Brosnan (bringing suave mischief to the role of Ron) spar and plot their way through Osman’s world is an absolute joy. The ensemble — rounded out by Helen Mirren, Jim Broadbent, and Ben Kingsley — feels like a dream team of British talent, with each actor slotting seamlessly into the roles that fans of the novel know and love. They aren’t just characters on screen; they’re people you want to spend time with.
The crimes at the centre of the story are genuinely intriguing and expertly written.
The tone is light but never flimsy, balancing genuine laughs with heartfelt moments. It’s exactly the kind of film you’ll want to put on with a cup of tea (or a glass of wine) and sink into. Funny, charming, and laced with enough intrigue to keep you guessing, it captures what makes British films such a joy to watch: wit, warmth, and just the right amount of eccentricity.
Most importantly, it does justice to Osman’s beloved story. The friendships, the banter, the little details of life at Coopers Chase — all of it comes alive on screen. By the time the credits roll, you’ll not only feel satisfied, but already be hoping Netflix hurries up with the sequel.
In short, The Thursday Murder Club is brilliantly cast, frequently funny, and lovingly crafted. A perfect slice of cosy crime, it’s proof that sometimes the most unlikely detectives are the ones you’ll love spending the most time with.
The Thursday Murder Club premieres Aug. 28 on Netflix.