Image Credit: Netflix
East am a doctor Showrunner Chris Chibnall presents a short but charming 3-episode adaptation of Agatha Christie’s classic seven dials Mystery. Is It Worth Your Time? Here’s our review.
seven dials It is the first adaptation of a novel by seminal murder mystery author Agatha Christie. Directed by Chris Chibnall, the series is one of the shorter Netflix Original offerings, coming in at just three episodes, but it uses its time wisely to present a well-paced, to-the-point drama with plenty of twists and turns. And it’s led by a pretty stellar performance from Mia McKenna-Bruce (Persuasion, how to have sex), who plays our witty and feisty amateur detective Lady Eileen ‘Bundle’ Brent.
Established in the 1920s, seven dials It begins with an English country mansion known as The Chimneys. Initially there is more of a PG Wodehouse feel than Christie, but this quickly changes as the plot unfolds. The story begins at a grand, glamorous house party at a stately home, hosted by Sir Oswald Coote and his wife Lady Coote, guests of Lord Caterham, owner of the Chimneys. There, handsome and extremely desirable Gerry Wade (Corey Mylchrist) flirts with Bundle – Caterham’s daughter – hinting at a possible marriage. However, the next morning, when everyone wakes up still tired after the previous night, Bundles is shocked to find that Gerry Wade has overslept. This is especially strange because there were seven alarm clocks going off in his bedroom. These clocks are a recurring motif throughout the series creating tension with each tick, tock.
Turns out, Wade’s sleep is not what it seems. He died in the night; or worse, was killedAs the bundle believes. This leads her on a determined and spirited quest to find her future fiancé’s killer, helped by her partners Ronnie Devereux (Nabhan Rizwan) and Jimmy Thesiger (Edward Bluemel). But the deeper she gets into the matter, the more dangerous the matter becomes.
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If you’re a longtime reader of Agatha Christie and are hoping for a faithful adaptation of the seminal work of the same name, let’s get this straight: This is Absolutely not it. But that’s okay. Showrunner Chris Chibnall reimagined the story through a modern lens, making it work as a short, serialized drama that’s completely accessible to new audiences. i can’t claim to be Big Agatha Christie fan, but seven dials I was immediately drawn into its world through gorgeous sets, fantastic characters, and a solid, entertaining mystery. Chibnall Remix A Very And in unexpected and surprising ways, but brings a refreshing energy that retains both the mystery and spirit of the original.
If one thing is for sure, it’s that the cast is where this show shines brightest. Mia McKenna-Bruce leads the series with authority and cheeky charm. Its energy is electric, and rays bounce off of it. The star-studded supporting cast all bring great personalities. Helena Bonham Carter was exceptional, playing Bundle’s aristocratic mother brilliantly. The most impressive supporting cast, however, is Martin Freeman, who shines as Christie’s shrewd and methodical Superintendent Battle.
The scenes shared between Bundle and Battle are some of the series’ most charming moments. Their disagreements, opposing styles and overall clash of personalities is a joy to watch. Battle offers a grounded approach and toughness compared to Bundle’s youthful exploits.
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Introducing the murder mystery case seven dials Neither as carefully constructed nor as multifaceted as other Agatha Christie stories And then there were none And Death on the Nile, But still it keeps you busy the whole time. Fast-paced and constantly evolving, the series throws enough curveballs to keep you guessing – and the final twist sticks the landing. It’s hard to predict, and it keeps you on your toes until the end credits.
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Is it reimagined? seven dials Worth your time? The short answer is yes. At only three episodes, it keeps things Very tight. Almost everything is told from the bundle’s perspective; It rarely meanders or bleeds into side stories. More episodes would have allowed for a broader scope and character development. That said, there’s a lot to love and admire, not least Mia McKenna-Bruce’s brilliant performance. This is the best performance of his career so far.
The sets are elaborate, the costumes are elaborate, and it succeeds in transporting the audience into the world of the 1920s; A place that is both luxurious and grand. And the story, even if reworked and revised, delivers all the beats you’d expect. It ends definitively, leaving nothing up for interpretation. However, I can see it struggling to win over audiences who watch it expecting a complete, perfect adaptation. If it’s working as a standalone story and a gateway into the world of Agatha Christie, it’s a winner.
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Mia McKenna-Bruce – Charming, funny and full of infectious energy, it’s hard to imagine anyone else as Lady Bundle Brent. There are great performances all around, but McKenna-Bruce plays her part in every scene she appears in, as Bundle gets caught up in antics and troubles.
Watch Agatha Christie’s Seven Dials on Netflix if you’d like:
- knives out
- murder on the orient express
- Persuasion (2022 Netflix film starring Mia McKenna-Bruce)