For those who enjoy cozy mysteries, Netflix’s new film, The Thursday Murder Club, might catch your interest. Based on Richard Osman’s best-selling novel, this comedy-mystery movie has divided viewers.
Directed by Chris Columbus, the film stars big names like Helen Mirren, Pierce Brosnan, Ben Kingsley, and Celia Imrie. They play a group of retirees at a retirement village who love solving cold cases. When a murder occurs nearby, their exploration turns into an unexpected adventure.
While the novel has a loyal fan base, audience reactions to the film have been mixed. On Rotten Tomatoes, it currently holds a 59% Popcornmeter score, contrasting with a higher critics’ score of 75%. Many fans were eagerly awaiting this adaptation, only to feel let down by the final product.
User comments reflect this split opinion. One viewer noted the movie felt like a lesser version of the original book series, while another likened it to Scooby-Doo but with older characters. Some have praised the film for its charming cast and clever storytelling, appreciating its lighthearted approach without excessive violence or drama.
Despite its mixed reviews, The Thursday Murder Club has performed well on Netflix, ranking prominently in both the U.S. and U.K. However, it hasn’t quite reached the heights of Knives Out, another hit murder mystery.
As the audience continues to weigh in on the film’s merits, its creators have expressed interest in making additional sequels. Whether Netflix will greenlight more adaptations depends on viewer support.
Historical context around murder mysteries shows how tastes have evolved over the years. From classic Agatha Christie novels to contemporary whodunits, these stories continue to captivate audiences, often blending humor with suspense. Today, more viewers gravitate towards lighter fare that entertains without being overly grim.
In summary, while The Thursday Murder Club presents a fresh take on the cozy mystery genre, your enjoyment may vary based on expectations and taste. It seems the charm of a stellar cast and engaging story has resonated with some, while others yearn for the depth of the original novels.

