Murder mysteries are a common genre here at IndieGala. So, It makes sense that The Death On The Nile Review is next. We explored the unsolved murder-mysteries in video games (check it out here). And we explored the murder-mysteries in TV (look back at it here).

But there’s simply no avoiding probably the most familiar and the most revered murder-mystery writer of all time. Agatha Christie. And yes. We honored Agatha Christie before too. Last year, around this time actually, when we mentioned the ABC Mysteries. You can check out that article here too.

Death On The Nile Review

But we’re revisiting Miss Christie once again in 2022. Why? Because we have a new game to tell you about. And because there’s a new film adaptation of one of her novels. We’ll get to the movie portion of the article a bit later. First…

Let’s take a closer look at the game itself now.

Agatha Christie – Hercule Poirot: The First Cases… What’s It All About?

Developed by Blazing Griffin and published by Microids, Agatha Christie – Hercule Poirot: The First Cases is a great adventure game to have. A point-an-click game that is sure to satisfy the pickiest murder-mystery fans out there. But in it, you get to discover the early cases of the legendary detective Hercule Poirot.

In his early years as a detective, Hercule Poirot is invited to a reception by the influential Van den Bosch family, for the announcement of their daughter’s engagement. But tensions amongst the guests run high as a snowstorm descends on the town, trapping everyone inside the manor. The happy event is soon marred by the murder of one of the guests… So… In the right place at the right time, Poirot immediately begins to investigate. What buried secrets and deadly rivalries will he uncover?

Agatha Christie – Hercule Poirot: The First Cases is available for purchase here at IndieGala. Get it now. And if you’re a fan of Agatha Christie – The ABC Murders, the you should check it out here as well.

But what are some of the Steam User comments you might ask?

  • Going tell all my streamer friends get this game very fun I Joy every minute I play it 🙂 says ChaserCars39.
  • While Alssadarya adds: I am absolutely loving everything about this game. Full disclosure, I am still working through it.

Now. Let’s get back to the movie itself. And the review too.

Death On The Nile Review: Is it Any Good?

Well, if you didn’t like the previous Agatha Christie adaptation from Kenneth Branagh (Murder On The Orient Express), you’re probably not gonna like this one too. However, much like the previous entry, Death On The Nile has a pretty big cast. And once again, it’s led by Kenneth Branagh’s Hercule Poirot. He’s a seasoned detective who find himself in Egypt. But he’ll also find himself on a river-boat down the Nile, after accepting an invitation to be a part of the honeymoon of the wealthy newlyweds.

Linnet Ridgeway (Gal Gadot) and Simon Doyle (Armie Hammer) that is. A few more join their festivities, but on board is Jackie. The scorned ex-lover of Simon (Emma Mackey). Can’t forget about Jennifer Saunders in the role of Marie Van Schuyler- Linnet’s godmother and a socialite-turned-communist. And the one and only Dawn French as Mrs. Bowers. Marie Van Schuyler’s nurse and clandestine lover. Frankly I was more excited about these two than anyone else. But that’s only because I’m a huge fan of, French and Saunders, Absolutely Fabulous, The Vicar of Dibley… Oh Lord… And so much more. Love these two ladies.

Death On The Nile Review
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Death On The Nile: Stylish But Empty?

Yes. It kinda is. Death On The Nile is gorgeous to look at. That’s true. With beautiful Art Deco production, gorgeous vibrant cinematography from Haris Zambarloukos and wide shots from Branagh himself. On 65mm no less. But I love that Zambarloukos and Branagh has built their working relationship since Sleuth, and it’s been going strong since. You can see that in almost every shot.

There are nice bright colors here, despite the fact that the movie was shot in England. Yeah, unlike the previous 1978 movie, no actor had ever set foot in Egypt. But it’s truly a visually stunning movie for sure, that lacks that substantial quality in almost every aspect. Especially the script. Which I think is the main culprit for my boredom. Frankly, the movie is shorter compared to the 1978 film adaptation, but it (the runtime) felt so much longer. Oh myyy. The script takes its sweet time to get the mystery going. A full hour after the kick-off in fact, and the slow pace continues after that. Despite being in the murder-mystery, who done it territory.

An Origin Story Of The Famous Moustache?

And I really didn’t know that I need a Hercule Poirot origin story at the start of the movie. I don’t need it, but here it is. And I think the movie’s script is the biggest weakness of this movie. Not it’s „problematic cast“ as we like to read in the media. Here there’s an altered and combined with other characters. And I have issues with that, but I have no issues with Branagh’s portrayal of Poirot. He’s much more muted here I’ll admit. But a lot more interesting as well.

The rest of the actors are not up to par, I’m afraid. Either they’re under-utilized or under-developed, which is a crying shame. I mean, you have Anette Benning in the cast. Show some respect man! Use her talent well man!

Death On The Nile Review: The Old VS The New?

Frankly there’s no comparison really. First and foremost, the movie version with Peter Ustinov is so much better. And it was actually shot in Egypt. Yeah, for seven weeks, the cast and crew had to take 2 hours off, because it got so hot, they couldn’t even breathe. Let alone act. And when you remember who was part of that cast… It will make your head spin. Maggie Smith, Angela Lansbury, Bette Davis, Mia Farrow, Jane Birkin, David Niven, George Kennedy, and Jack Warden. Just to name a few, besides Ustinov. But I’m curious to know.

What’s Your Death On The Nile Review?

Do you like this version of Agatha Christie’s classic? What’s your take on Kenneth Branagh’s Poirot? For us it wasn’t a murder-mystery done right. It was quite the opposite in fact. But, let us know in the comment section. We’d love to know all about it.  

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