Netflix’s ‘The Thursday Murder Club’: Star-studded whodunit that misses the mark – full review with SPOILERS

A Bestseller Meets the Screen

Richard Osman’s The Thursday Murder Club was always going to be a tough adaptation. The breezy charm, quirky humour, and clever characterisation that worked so well on the page don’t always translate to the screen. The Netflix version, directed by Chris Columbus and written by Katy Brand and Suzanne Heathcote, proves the point. While Osman’s 2020 bestseller sold millions worldwide, the film struggles to recreate its heart and fizz.

What’s the Story?

The setup is delicious on paper: four retirees at the posh Coopers Chase retirement home spend their days solving cold cases. Leading the group is Elizabeth (Helen Mirren), a sharp former British spy. She’s joined by Ron (Pierce Brosnan), an ex-union leader, and Ibrahim (Ben Kingsley), a retired psychiatrist. With their original fourth member, Penny, in a coma, the gang recruits Joyce (Celia Imrie), a former nurse who’s thrilled to finally have something to do.

What begins as a quirky hobby turns into something much darker when Cooper's Chase developer Tony (Geoff Bell) turns up dead. Soon, the suspects pile up, including Tony’s business partner Ian (David Tennant) and a mysterious investor lurking in the background. The sleuthing quartet gets some help (and plenty of resistance) from police officer Donna (Naomi Ackie) and her bumbling superior Chris (Daniel Mays).

A Glittering Cast, But Dull Chemistry

On paper, the casting is irresistible: Helen Mirren, Pierce Brosnan, Ben Kingsley, and Celia Imrie. Yet strangely, the film rarely lets them shine together. Their chemistry feels muted, the humour too forced, and the pacing uneven. Supporting players like Tennant, Naomi Ackie, and Daniel Mays bring some spark, but the ensemble never quite gels into the charming, chaotic unit Osman fans adore.

Netizens React: Divided and Disappointed

Social media reactions show a clear divide. Fans of Osman’s books feel short-changed:

“As a huge fan of the books, I’m sad to say I’m disappointed with the film. The heart & humour of the main quartet, plus Donna & Bogdan, felt lacking,” wrote one viewer.

Meanwhile, first-time viewers who never read the book also struggled: “As someone who hasn’t read the books, The Thursday Murder Club felt really difficult to get into. Gets off to a wobbly start but improves – though by then it’s almost over.” The verdict? A mixed bag at best.

Spoilers: Who Really Killed Tony and Ian?

The central mystery pulls from both the present and the past. Tony Curran’s murder turns out to be the work of Bogdan (Henry Lloyd-Hughes), who confesses after Elizabeth corners him. But it’s less murder, more manslaughter: a fight over his passport spiralled out of control.

As for Ian Ventham, the second developer? The answer lies in the Thursday Club’s original cold case from the 1970s. Elizabeth uncovers that Penny, before her coma, suspected Peter Mercer of killing his girlfriend. Penny’s instincts were right – but her husband John took matters into his own hands. Wracked with guilt, John confesses and later takes his life alongside Penny in a poignant, if melodramatic, finale.

Final Word: Should You Watch It?

The Thursday Murder Club on Netflix is a curious case. With a stellar cast, a bestselling source material, and the whimsical touch of Chris Columbus (Home Alone, Harry Potter), it should have been a winner. Instead, it feels oddly lifeless – too slow for a thriller, too flat for a comedy, and too shallow for an emotional drama.

Fans of Osman’s novel will likely be underwhelmed. Newcomers might find it mildly entertaining but forgettable. In short, this mystery isn’t worth cancelling your Thursday night plans for.