In 1934, famed Belgian detective Hercule Poirot solves a theft in Jerusalem. The obsessive-compulsive Poirot intends to take a rest in Istanbul, but finds himself summoned to London for another case. His friend Bouc, director of the Simplon-route Orient Express service, arranges Poirot's accommodations aboard that famous train.
Once aboard, Poirot is soon introduced to the colourful array of other passengers, which include an American widow, a Hungarian diplomat and an elderly Russian princess, among others. Perhaps the most notable other passenger, however, is businessman Edward Ratchett, who boards the train accompanied by his manservant and his secretary.
Ratchett approaches Poirot and asks the detective to become his bodyguard for the duration of the journey. Ratchett explains that he has received several threatening letters and fears for his life. Poirot, having already deduced that Ratchett's business is a dishonest one, declines.
Ratchett is found murdered the very next morning, stabbed a dozen times. Poirot must take on the case and investigate the other passengers in order to find the culprit. If he does not, then not only will the killer likely go free, but it will reflect very poorly on his good friend Bouc, who is responsible for the comfort and safety of the guests.
Of course, it soon begins to emerge that Ratchett was not the only passenger with secrets. Will even the brilliant Poirot be able to untangle this thorny problem?
Well of course he will. That's how these kind of films work. The real question is "will watching him do it be enjoyable and end in a satisfying manner?" The answer there, I am pleased to say, is generally positive.
This 2017 adaptation of Agatha Christie's famous novel is helped immensely by a talented cast of well-known names. Such star-studded line-ups can sometimes become a hindrance, turning a film into a "spot the famous face" party game, but that risk is deftly handled here. The famous players are recognisable, but both the direction and their performances are firmly oriented toward telling the story, not in "ooh, look who it is now!" celebrity spotting shenanigans. And since these people all became celebrities because they are good actors, they all turn in the usual excellent performances you would expect.
Director Kenneth Branagh also assumes the role of Poirot. This is doubtless a challenging combination of roles to take on, but Branagh's juggled directorial and leading man duties on multiple previous occasions, and I think he proves up to the task once more, here.
One possible flaw of the film - depending on your preferences, I think - is that it has a very mannered, stately pacing. There are a few flurries of mild action and intrigue, but this is on the whole a restrained and genteel film, unfolding its mystery carefully and precisely, but perhaps without the verve that some viewers would prefer. I certainly wouldn't call the film "dull", myself, but some may find it a little on the slow side.
Overall though, if murder mysteries are your thing, this is a train trip you'll probably want to take.
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