The ABC Murders

TV review by Melissa Camacho, Common Sense Media
The ABC Murders Poster Image

Common Sense says

age 14+

Gritty, overly dark mystery series has an older Poirot.

BBC, Amazon Prime Video Drama 2018
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Parents say

age 15+

Based on 1 review

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A Lot or a Little?

The parents' guide to what's in this TV show.

What Parents Need to Know

Parents need to know that The ABC Murders, an adaptation of Agatha Christie's popular book, features some bloody murder scenes and lots of grown-up themes. For a classic story, there's some strong sexual innuendo that includes references to sadomasochism. There's plenty of drinking and cigarette smoking, and language is light but does include words like "bastard."

Community Reviews

Redi_Spades
Redi_Spades Adult
December 23, 2019
age 15+

Facing Your Consequences

Hercule Poirot has been leading a retired life when letters in the mail force him to reflect on his past. The plot has the classic tones of a whodonit that Agatha Christie is famous for, and if you enjoy that, you will enjoy what this short series has to offer. The plot is unique because most of the characters in it meet the consequences of their past choices and life styles. As far as families, I wouldn't recommend this for those under 15 because the plot itself is one that requires a degree of mature thought. I would recommend it for a nice date night or chilling with your teenagers.
See all 1 parent review

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

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