There is a specific kind of cinematic joy that comes from watching a group of seasoned titans of the screen simply enjoy each other's company. The Thursday Murder Club, directed by Chris Columbus, is a prime example of this phenomenon. Released on Netflix in 2025 and produced by Amblin Entertainment, the film is an adaptation of Richard Osman’s record-breaking debut novel. While it skipped the traditional box office gauntlet to debut directly on streaming, its pedigree—boasting an Oscar-heavy cast and a director known for launching global franchises—makes it one of the most significant "cozy mystery" releases of the decade.
The story introduces us to the idyllic, albeit expensive, Coopers Chase retirement village. Here, four unlikely friends—Elizabeth (Helen Mirren), Ron (Pierce Brosnan), Ibrahim (Ben Kingsley), and Joyce (Celia Imrie)—meet every Thursday to pick through cold case files for sport. Their hobby becomes a reality when a local developer is found dead, thrusting the quartet into a live investigation that involves shifty businessmen, Polish handymen, and decades-old secrets. This film matters because it treats the elderly not as background noise or punchlines, but as capable, sharp-witted protagonists who still have plenty of skin in the game.
Story and Screenplay: A Comfortable Puzzle with Loose Threads
The narrative quality of The Thursday Murder Club mirrors the pace of its setting: it is rarely in a hurry, preferring to dwell on a cup of tea or a shared glass of wine rather than the visceral details of the crime. Structurally, the screenplay follows the "whodunit" blueprint faithfully, introducing a wide array of suspects ranging from David Tennant’s ambitious Ian Ventham to Richard E. Grant’s mysterious florist. However, the pacing occasionally stutters; at nearly two hours, the middle act feels a bit padded with subplots that don't always pay off with the same vigor as the main mystery.
Where the script falters most is in its tendency to lean on tropes that feel beneath its characters. There are moments of "forced whimsy" that ring false, particularly jokes about Elizabeth—a former elite intelligence officer—not understanding basic modern acronyms like "WTF." These beats feel like they belong in a lesser sitcom and distract from the otherwise sharp dialogue. That said, the screenplay excels when it explores the themes of mortality and legacy. The mystery itself is serviceable, but the writing is at its strongest when it acknowledges the "precarious nature" of life at Coopers Chase, grounding the lighthearted sleuthing in a very real, very moving sense of urgency.
Acting and Characters: A Masterclass in Mature Chemistry
The true engine of this film is its cast. Helen Mirren brings a "steely poise" to Elizabeth that makes her past in MI6 entirely believable, while Celia Imrie provides the film's emotional glue as the observant and deceptively sharp Joyce. Pierce Brosnan is clearly having a ball playing against his Bond type as a rough-around-the-edges union leader, and Ben Kingsley’s Ibrahim offers a gentle, intellectual precision that rounds out the group perfectly. The chemistry between these four feels lived-in and effortless, making you believe they truly have spent years arguing over cold cases and cake.
The supporting cast is equally impressive, though some are given more to do than others. Jonathan Pryce delivers a heartbreaking performance as Elizabeth’s husband, Stephen, who is slowly slipping away due to dementia. This subplot provides the film's most authentic emotional stakes, serving as a reminder that even for a woman who can outsmart international criminals, there are some enemies she cannot defeat. Naomi Ackie and Daniel Mays also deserve credit for playing the "beleaguered professionals" at the local police department, serving as effective foils who eventually realize these retirees are their greatest assets.
Direction and Technical Aspects: Polished and Comfy
Chris Columbus brings his signature "warmth and approachability" to the director's chair. His vision for Coopers Chase is one of golden-hour light and lush greenery, making the retirement village look like a place anyone would be happy to spend their final years. The visual composition is clean and traditional, eschewing flashy camera moves in favor of letting the actors command the frame. It feels very much like a "Sunday night drama" but with the high-production values of an Amblin project.
The visual storytelling is particularly effective during the cold case sequences, where the film manages to bridge the gap between the past and present without losing the viewer. The production design by Rick Carter creates an environment that is "aspirational yet lived-in," full of personal knick-knacks and cozy corners that reflect the history of its residents. While the editing could have been tighter to trim the 118-minute runtime, Columbus succeeds in creating a cohesive world that feels safe and inviting, even when bodies start piling up.
Trailer The Thursday Murder Club (2025)
Music and Atmosphere: Autumnal Melancholy Meets British Wit
The mood of the film is a delicate balance of "British wit and autumnal melancholy." It successfully captures the vibe of a rainy afternoon spent with a good book. The soundtrack is peppered with recognizable tunes that lean into the nostalgia of the characters, but it's the original score that does the heavy lifting, providing a playful, light-footed accompaniment to the sleuthing while shifting into more somber, orchestral tones for the film's heavier moments.
The sound design is subtle, emphasizing the quietness of the countryside—the rustle of leaves, the clink of porcelain—which makes the sudden bursts of violence or confrontation feel more impactful. This audio-visual harmony enhances the "comfy" nature of the experience, ensuring that even when the plot deals with murder and corruption, the viewer never feels truly distressed. It’s an atmosphere designed to "cherish the good moments," echoing the advice given to Elizabeth by a friend in the film.
Strengths and Weaknesses
What works well:
- Unbeatable Lead Casting: The four leads are a joy to watch, bringing decades of charisma and skill to their roles.
- Emotional Depth: The subplot involving Jonathan Pryce’s character adds a layer of genuine poignancy that elevates the film above a standard mystery.
- Vibrant Supporting Performances: Tennant, Grant, and Ackie bring energy and humor to the periphery of the story.
- Cozy Production Design: The film is visually soothing, perfectly capturing the high-end "village" aesthetic.
- Faithful Tone: Fans of the book will find the spirit of Osman’s world largely intact, particularly the blend of humor and heart.
What doesn't work:
- Lazy Caricatures: Some jokes about the elderly being "tech-illiterate" feel dated and out of character for someone as smart as Elizabeth.
- Overlong Runtime: At two hours, the film meanders in the middle, and several subplots could have been trimmed for a tighter experience.
- Convenient Plotting: The mystery relies on a few too many coincidences and "lucky breaks" to reach its conclusion.
- Tonal Shifts: Occasionally, the film winks a bit too hard at the audience, meta-referencing its own "Sunday night drama" status in a way that breaks the immersion.
Final Verdict: A Warm Hug with a Side of Homicide
Rating: 3/5 stars
The Thursday Murder Club is exactly the kind of movie that Netflix was built for. It is a "comfy place to be" for two hours, offering a blend of light suspense and profound emotional resonance. While the script could certainly be "sharper" and the comedy more "clever," the sheer power of the central ensemble makes it impossible to dislike. It’s a film that understands its audience perfectly, providing a beautiful, star-studded distraction that isn't afraid to occasionally break your heart.
Who should watch it? This is a prime recommendation for fans of the "cozy mystery" genre, such as Knives Out or Only Murders in the Building. If you are a fan of any of the four leads, or if you simply enjoy a well-produced British mystery that values character over carnage, this is for you.
Who might not enjoy it? If you are looking for a gritty, fast-paced thriller or a complex, airtight puzzle like a Christie masterpiece, you may find the pacing too slow and the plot too convenient. Those who are bothered by "age-gap humor" tropes might also find themselves rolling their eyes at a few of the tech-related gags.
Final Thoughts and Recommendation: I recommend The Thursday Murder Club as a delightful, albeit flawed, piece of entertainment. It’s the cinematic equivalent of a favorite sweater—warm, familiar, and very hard to take off once you’ve settled in. Give it a stream on a rainy afternoon.
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