The Thursday Murder Club Brings Cozy Crime to Netflix
Richard Osman’s bestselling novel The Thursday Murder Club has now been brought to the screen, and it’s already attracting attention for its mix of charm, humor, and a little bit of murder mystery. The book, first published in 2020, became a sensation during the pandemic—offering a warm, witty take on crime fiction while introducing the world to a group of retirees who refuse to be underestimated. Now, with director Chris Columbus at the helm and a cast filled with major stars, the Netflix adaptation is giving audiences that same cozy crime energy, but with cinematic flair.
The story takes us to Cooper’s Chase, a retirement community that looks more like a grand English estate than your average care facility. Among its residents is a remarkable group of four: Elizabeth, a sharp former MI6 chief played by Helen Mirren; Ron, a gruff ex–trade union leader brought to life by Pierce Brosnan; Ibrahim, a thoughtful retired psychiatrist portrayed by Ben Kingsley; and Joyce, a nurse with a love of baking, played by Celia Imrie. Together, they form the Thursday Murder Club, meeting every week in the jigsaw room to pore over old unsolved cases. What began as a pastime soon turns into real detective work when shady business dealings and an actual murder threaten the safety of their home.
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The fun of this film lies in how these retirees use their age to their advantage. They slip under the radar, unnoticed by those who dismiss them, and in doing so uncover secrets that the police cannot. Helen Mirren’s Elizabeth leads with quiet authority, often reminding others that they are not to be called “feisty,” a term she firmly rejects. Brosnan, Kingsley, and Imrie each add distinct flavors of comedy and heart, turning the group into something like senior-citizen superheroes. Some even call them a kind of “X-Men of the retirement home,” their superpower being invisibility in plain sight.
But it isn’t just a quirky comedy. The film also touches on deeper themes, including aging, grief, and even the sensitive issue of assisted dying. Elizabeth’s relationship with her husband, played by Jonathan Pryce, who struggles with dementia, adds poignancy to the otherwise lighthearted tone. Meanwhile, the looming threat of a greedy landlord, portrayed by David Tennant, brings real stakes to the story.
Stylistically, the film plays with the traditions of British whodunits. There are nods to Agatha Christie, and even some sly in-jokes—like Mirren’s character being told she looks just like the Queen, a role she famously played years ago. The humor ranges from clever wordplay to visual gags, such as case files mixing with jigsaw puzzles or Brosnan doing aqua aerobics in a yellow floatie.
Ultimately, The Thursday Murder Club doesn’t try to reinvent the murder mystery genre. Instead, it leans into its strengths: a cast of beloved actors, a gentle yet intriguing story, and the kind of cozy entertainment that feels just right for a Sunday evening—or a Netflix binge. It’s undemanding, it’s warm, and above all, it’s fun. Audiences looking for thrills without the grit may find themselves happily swept into the club.
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