For those who enjoy a charming murder mystery, Netflix’s latest film might pique your interest. However, judging by its audience ratings on Rotten Tomatoes, opinions are divided. Based on Richard Osman’s novel, The Thursday Murder Club initially received favorable reviews from critics, but many fans feel it hasn’t quite hit the mark, despite a talented cast portraying retirees who believe they are amateur detectives, reminiscent of Miss Marple and Sherlock Holmes.
Directed by the accomplished Chris Columbus, The Thursday Murder Club features Helen Mirren, Pierce Brosnan, Ben Kingsley, and Celia Imrie as four crime-enthusiastic retirees residing in Cooper’s Chase retirement community. The movie shares some similarities with Only Murders in the Building, but carries a distinctly British flavor. The storyline centers on:
“The Thursday Murder Club tracks four lively retirees—Elizabeth (Helen Mirren), Ron (Pierce Brosnan), Ibrahim (Ben Kingsley), and Joyce (Celia Imrie)—who amuse themselves by investigating cold case murders. When a suspicious death occurs nearby, their leisurely sleuthing evolves into an authentic whodunit.”
This film has built a significant following thanks to the best-selling book, leading many fans to anticipate its adaptation for some time. However, they appear to be split on whether the film meets their expectations.
The Thursday Murder Club’s Success on Netflix
While the surprising KPop Demon Hunters continues to top Netflix’s global chart, The Thursday Murder Club holds a strong second place, dominating the rankings in both the U.S. and U.K. However, the reception has been mixed, with the film scoring a low 59% on Rotten Tomatoes’ audience meter, compared to a 75% critics’ score—which was a sharp decline from its initial rating of 90% upon the lifting of the review embargo.
One viewer, Jilly J, expressed disappointment after reading the original series, stating, “The first book was wonderful, but by the fourth, I was questioning my decision to read it. This film felt akin to that weak sequel—it just wasn’t good.” Another critic likened the film to “an episode of Scooby-Doo reimagined with retirees that stretches over nearly two hours.” On a different note, Anton T humorously added, “I feel compelled to send my condolences to Richard Osman.”
Conversely, some viewers were thrilled with the adaptation. Carl W remarked, “Enough with the complaints about the book being superior; enjoy the stellar cast bringing these beloved characters to life. Expecting every nuance of Osman’s rich world in a two-hour film is unreasonable.” Meanwhile, KD praised the film as “a breath of fresh air,” commending its engaging storyline without resorting to excessive violence or vulgarity, calling it “a great mystery filled with heart and wit.”
While The Thursday Murder Club may not surpass Knives Out as Netflix’s premier modern murder mystery, it doesn’t aspire to. As the cast and director express interest in potential sequels, the future of the franchise will ultimately depend on Netflix’s viewers.
