Crooked House (2017) Movie Review – Where to Watch Online
Crooked House (2017) is a gripping murder mystery adapted from Agatha Christie’s 1949 novel of the same name. Directed by Gilles Paquet-Brenner, the film features a star-studded cast including Glenn Close, Max Irons, and Gillian Anderson. Set against the backdrop of post-war Britain, Crooked House revolves around the murder of a wealthy patriarch, Aristide Leonides, and the secrets buried within his eccentric and dysfunctional family.
In this review, we’ll explore the plot, key themes, performances, and direction of Crooked House while detailing where to stream or rent the film in the U.S.
Plot Overview: A Twisted Family and a Sinister Murder
The story begins when Aristide Leonides, a wealthy Greek businessman, is found dead in his lavish English mansion under suspicious circumstances. His granddaughter, Sophia Leonides (Stefanie Martini), enlists the help of her former lover, private detective Charles Hayward (Max Irons), to investigate the murder.
As Charles digs deeper into the Leonides family, he uncovers a web of secrets, lies, and simmering tensions. Each family member seems to have a motive for murder. There’s the scheming Brenda Leonides (Christina Hendricks), Aristide’s much younger second wife; the manipulative Magda West (Gillian Anderson), an actress always craving attention; and Edith de Haviland (Glenn Close), the stern matriarch who harbors dark secrets of her own.
Charles must navigate this “crooked” house full of unreliable and eccentric characters to uncover the truth. As he unravels the layers of the family’s dysfunction, he realizes that not everything is as it seems. The mystery leads to a shocking and unsettling conclusion that leaves both the characters and the audience questioning morality, justice, and the nature of evil.
Themes: Deception, Greed, and Family Dysfunction
At its core, Crooked House explores themes of deception, greed, and family dysfunction. The Leonides family is a perfect reflection of the saying, “the rich are different.” Aristide’s death brings out the worst in the family, as every member scrambles for power, wealth, and control.
The film deftly portrays how wealth and privilege can corrupt, breeding greed and malice within a family that, on the surface, seems merely eccentric. Each character wears a mask of civility, but beneath the surface, they are motivated by self-interest, envy, and, in some cases, outright malice.
The theme of deception is central to the story, as each family member is hiding something—whether it’s their true feelings about Aristide or their own culpability in his death. The film also examines the consequences of unchecked ambition and the ways in which the desire for wealth and status can lead to betrayal and, ultimately, murder.
In addition to being a murder mystery, Crooked House also functions as a psychological thriller. It delves into the darker aspects of human nature and the moral ambiguity that often accompanies crime. As Charles gets closer to the truth, the film challenges the audience to question what justice really means and whether certain crimes are ever truly justified.
Performances: A Stellar Cast Brings the Leonides Family to Life
Crooked House boasts an exceptional ensemble cast, each of whom delivers memorable performances that elevate the film’s intricate plot.
Max Irons anchors the film as Charles Hayward, the private detective tasked with solving the mystery. Irons brings a quiet intensity to the role, playing Charles as both determined and haunted by his past with Sophia. His chemistry with Stefanie Martini (Sophia) adds an emotional layer to the investigation, as Charles grapples with his lingering feelings for her while trying to uncover the truth.
Glenn Close steals every scene she’s in as Edith de Haviland, the imperious matriarch of the family. Close’s performance is masterful, balancing Edith’s steely exterior with moments of vulnerability. Her character is a force to be reckoned with, and Close portrays her with both gravitas and wit.
Gillian Anderson delivers a delightfully over-the-top performance as Magda West, the dramatic actress who relishes the spotlight. Anderson’s portrayal of Magda is flamboyant and self-absorbed, yet there are moments when she hints at the character’s deeper insecurities.
Christina Hendricks plays Brenda Leonides, the much younger second wife of Aristide, with a mix of sensuality and suspicion. Her character is one of the most enigmatic in the film, and Hendricks plays her with a seductive yet cold demeanor, keeping the audience guessing about her true motivations.
Terence Stamp, as Chief Inspector Taverner, provides a steadying presence, adding a layer of gravitas to the investigation. His scenes with Max Irons highlight the generational difference between the two detectives, with Taverner representing the old guard and Charles symbolizing a new, more emotional approach to crime-solving.
Cinematography and Direction: A Gothic Atmosphere of Suspense
Director Gilles Paquet-Brenner captures the Gothic atmosphere of Agatha Christie’s novel with a strong sense of style. The Leonides mansion, with its labyrinthine corridors and looming shadows, becomes a character in its own right. The film’s production design immerses the audience in a post-war Britain where old-world grandeur is fading, replaced by a sense of decay and moral ambiguity.
The cinematography, led by Sebastian Winterø, uses muted tones and dim lighting to create a sense of unease. The mansion’s dark, ornate interiors contribute to the film’s suspenseful mood, making it feel as though danger lurks in every corner. Wide shots of the grand yet decaying estate contrast with intimate close-ups of the characters’ faces, underscoring the tension between the family’s public façade and their private turmoil.
Paquet-Brenner also keeps the pacing taut, slowly revealing clues and red herrings without rushing the story. The tension builds gradually, allowing the mystery to unfold naturally. The film’s climax is a particularly intense sequence, paying off the slow-burn suspense with a shocking and morally ambiguous resolution.
Where to Watch Crooked House Online: Streaming and Rental Options
If you’re ready to dive into this chilling murder mystery, here are the best places to stream or rent Crooked House (2017) online in the U.S.:
1. Amazon Prime Video
Crooked House is available for rent or purchase on Amazon Prime Video. You can rent the film in HD for $3.99 or purchase it for $12.99. Amazon offers a seamless viewing experience on a wide range of devices, from smart TVs to tablets.
2. Apple TV
The film is also available on Apple TV for rental at $3.99 or purchase for $12.99. Apple TV’s high-quality streaming and user-friendly interface make it a great option for watching the film in stunning HD.
3. Google Play Movies & TV
You can rent or buy Crooked House through Google Play for $3.99 (rental) or $12.99 (purchase). This platform is perfect for Android users or those who prefer watching on mobile devices.
4. Vudu
Vudu offers Crooked House for rental at $3.99 or for purchase at $12.99. Known for its reliable streaming service, Vudu is an excellent platform for watching the film on a variety of devices, including smart TVs and game consoles.
5. YouTube Movies
Crooked House can be rented or purchased through YouTube Movies. Rentals start at $3.99, and you can purchase the film for $12.99. YouTube’s ease of access on virtually any device with an internet connection makes it a flexible option for viewers.
6. Tubi
You can also stream Crooked House for free on Tubi, with ads. Tubi offers a wide variety of films at no cost, and Crooked House is part of its growing library of thrillers and mysteries.
Conclusion: A Twisted, Suspenseful Agatha Christie Mystery
Crooked House (2017) is a faithful and atmospheric adaptation of one of Agatha Christie’s darkest and most complex works. With standout performances from Glenn Close, Max Irons, and Gillian Anderson, the film succeeds in capturing the tension and moral ambiguity of the original novel. The Leonides family is brought to life with vivid performances, and the mystery keeps audiences guessing until the very end.
Fans of Christie’s work, or anyone who enjoys a well-crafted whodunit, will find plenty to love in Crooked House. With several streaming and rental options available, it’s easy to immerse yourself in this thrilling and sinister world of deception, murder, and family secrets.
