Common Sense Media Review
By Melissa Camacho
,
based on child development research. How do we rate?
Gritty, overly dark mystery series has an older Poirot.
Parents Need to Know
Why Age 14+?
Any Positive Content?
Where to Watch
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The ABC Murders
What's the Story?
Based on the book of the same name, THE ABC MURDERS is a British miniseries featuring none-other than French detective Hercule Poirot. It's 1933 London, and Poirot (played by John Malkovich) is old, gray, and no longer the celebrity he once was among the nationalistic British. But when he receives threats of murder in the mail by a sender who only identifies him/herself as A.B.C., he senses danger. But all his friends, including Inspector Japp (Kevin McNally), have moved on, and Poirot is left dealing with the young and arrogant Inspector Crome (Rupert Grint) while trying to solve this mystery by himself.
Is It Any Good?
This contemporary British adaptation of the popular Agatha Christie book, which has inspired other reworkings of the story, offers a dark narrative full of murderous twists. Poirot is introduced as a lonely, guilt-ridden figure forced to cope with the fact that he's older and no longer in fashion. While this doesn't stop him from solving the murders, it paints a pathetic portrait of a once energetic and entertainingly quirky hero.
Some viewers may find it entertaining, but diehard fans of the book may also be frustrated by the various other ways this miniseries veers away from the original story, which removes some key characters. But perhaps the most troubling is its overall grittiness, which is an obvious departure from the smart plot twists and well-timed subtle humor for which Agatha Christie's work is known for. As a result, The ABC Murders feels dark and heavy, making it more of a misguided psychological thriller instead of a fun whodunnit.
Talk to Your Kids About ...
Families can talk about the appeal of Agatha Christie's stories over the years. What is it about them that make them appealing throughout generations?
What messages does this version of The ABC Murders offer about how we treat the elderly over the years? What does it say about racism in Britain during the 1930s?
TV Details
- Premiere date : December 28, 2018
- Cast : John Malkovich , Rupert Grint , Eamon Farren
- Networks : BBC , Prime Video
- Genre : Drama
- TV rating :
- Last updated : October 19, 2022
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