Murder on the Orient Express (2017) Movie Review – Where to Watch Online
Agatha Christie’s Murder on the Orient Express has been a beloved mystery classic since its publication in 1934, and the 2017 adaptation directed by Kenneth Branagh breathes new life into this timeless whodunit. This star-studded film is a sumptuous, old-fashioned murder mystery that stays true to its source material while adding a fresh cinematic flair. Kenneth Branagh not only directs but also stars as the famous Belgian detective Hercule Poirot, delivering a visually stunning and emotionally charged retelling of the crime that unfolds aboard the iconic train.
In this review, we’ll explore the film’s plot, the standout performances by its ensemble cast, and the beautiful direction by Branagh. We’ll also guide you on where to stream Murder on the Orient Express online in the U.S.
Plot Summary: A Deadly Mystery Aboard the Orient Express
Set in the 1930s, Murder on the Orient Express follows the world-renowned detective Hercule Poirot (Kenneth Branagh) as he boards the luxurious Orient Express for a much-needed break. However, his vacation is cut short when a murder occurs during the train’s journey from Istanbul to Calais. The victim is a shady businessman named Samuel Ratchett (Johnny Depp), who had been receiving threatening letters prior to his death. Trapped on the train due to a snowstorm, Poirot is asked to solve the mystery before the train reaches its destination, and the murderer has a chance to escape.
The passengers aboard the train are an eclectic mix of characters, each with their own secrets and motivations. As Poirot begins to interrogate each one, he unravels a complex web of lies, connections, and past grievances. The suspects include Ratchett’s personal valet Edward Masterman (Derek Jacobi), governess Mary Debenham (Daisy Ridley), the enigmatic Princess Dragomiroff (Judi Dench), missionary Pilar Estravados (Penélope Cruz), and many others. As the mystery deepens, Poirot is faced with moral dilemmas about justice, guilt, and revenge.
Kenneth Branagh’s Portrayal of Hercule Poirot
One of the highlights of Murder on the Orient Express is Kenneth Branagh’s portrayal of Hercule Poirot. Branagh’s Poirot is meticulous, fussy, and incredibly sharp, but with a sense of humanity that makes him more than just a caricature of a brilliant detective. His version of Poirot is deeply concerned with morality and justice, and Branagh’s performance brings an emotional depth to the character that sets it apart from previous adaptations.
Branagh’s Poirot is visually distinctive as well, with his perfectly styled, almost comical, mustache becoming an iconic part of his look. While some might argue that the mustache is overly theatrical, it fits with the character’s meticulous nature and love for order.
The All-Star Cast: A Show of Talent
The 2017 adaptation of Murder on the Orient Express boasts an incredible ensemble cast, each of whom delivers a strong performance. Johnny Depp, in the role of the ill-fated Ratchett, effectively portrays the sinister and paranoid businessman, whose dark past plays a crucial role in the mystery. Michelle Pfeiffer stands out as Caroline Hubbard, a brash and outspoken American who seems to know more than she lets on. Judi Dench as Princess Dragomiroff brings her usual gravitas to the role, while Daisy Ridley, Penélope Cruz, Willem Dafoe, Josh Gad, and Leslie Odom Jr. round out the cast with their unique performances.
Each actor embodies their character with nuance, making it difficult for both Poirot and the audience to easily identify the murderer. The film excels in building tension through these intricate character dynamics, and the cast brings their A-game to every scene.
Visuals and Direction: A Cinematic Feast
Kenneth Branagh’s direction of Murder on the Orient Express is as stylish as the story itself. The film is visually stunning, capturing the elegance and grandeur of the 1930s setting. From the opulent interiors of the train to the breathtaking snowy landscapes, Branagh uses cinematography to enhance the claustrophobia and isolation felt by the characters as they are trapped aboard the train with a murderer.
One of the film’s most impressive visual elements is the way Branagh uses sweeping camera movements and wide shots to capture the confined space of the train while still making it feel dynamic and engaging. The film also has a rich, atmospheric score by composer Patrick Doyle, which helps to build suspense and elevate the emotional beats of the story.
Themes: Justice, Morality, and Revenge
At its core, Murder on the Orient Express explores themes of justice, morality, and the human desire for revenge. As Poirot delves deeper into the case, he is forced to confront his own rigid sense of right and wrong. The film raises questions about what true justice looks like and whether certain crimes can ever be fully forgiven or avenged.
The moral ambiguity of the ending is one of the film’s strongest points. Without giving away any spoilers, the conclusion forces Poirot to make a difficult decision about how to handle the situation, challenging his beliefs about law and order.
Where to Watch Murder on the Orient Express (2017) Online in the USA
If you’re looking to stream Murder on the Orient Express online, here are the platforms where you can rent, purchase, or stream the film in the United States:
1. Streaming Services (Subscription-Based)
- Hulu: Murder on the Orient Express is available to stream on Hulu with a subscription. Hulu offers various plans starting at $7.99/month with ads or $14.99/month for ad-free streaming.
- HBO Max: Another great option for streaming Murder on the Orient Express is HBO Max, which features a large collection of blockbuster films and exclusive content. Subscriptions start at $9.99/month with ads or $15.99/month ad-free.
2. Rental and Purchase Options
- Amazon Prime Video: You can rent or purchase Murder on the Orient Express on Amazon Prime Video. Rentals start at $3.99, while purchasing the film in HD costs around $14.99.
- Apple TV (iTunes): Murder on the Orient Express is available for rent on Apple TV at $3.99, or you can purchase it for $14.99.
- Google Play Movies: Google Play Movies offers the film for rental starting at $3.99 and for purchase at $14.99.
- Vudu: You can rent or buy the film on Vudu, with rental prices starting at $3.99 and purchase prices at $14.99.
- YouTube Movies: You can also rent or purchase Murder on the Orient Express on YouTube, with similar pricing options of $3.99 for rental and $14.99 for purchasing.
Why You Should Watch Murder on the Orient Express on Streaming Platforms
Streaming Murder on the Orient Express is an easy and high-quality way to experience this classic mystery. Whether you’re watching on Hulu or HBO Max, or prefer renting through services like Amazon Prime Video or Vudu, you can enjoy the film in crisp HD with the convenience of streaming from home.
For fans of murder mysteries, the movie offers all the intrigue, suspense, and style that Agatha Christie’s story deserves. The combination of Branagh’s direction, a stellar cast, and gorgeous cinematography make this adaptation a treat for both longtime Christie fans and newcomers to her work.
Conclusion: A Stylish and Intriguing Adaptation
Murder on the Orient Express (2017) is a visually dazzling, well-acted, and engaging adaptation of Agatha Christie’s beloved novel. Kenneth Branagh successfully brings Hercule Poirot to life with a memorable performance and sharp direction, while the ensemble cast elevates the film with their impressive portrayals of complex, secretive characters.
The film captures the essence of Christie’s mystery while adding a cinematic flair that keeps modern audiences engaged. Its themes of justice, morality, and revenge make for a thought-provoking experience, and the film’s stunning visuals and performances only enhance the story’s impact.
Watch Murder on the Orient Express Today:
- Hulu
- HBO Max
- Amazon Prime Video
- Apple TV (iTunes)
- Google Play Movies
- Vudu
- YouTube Movies
Settle in for a suspenseful journey on the Orient Express, and see if you can unravel the mystery before Hercule Poirot does!
