Competant without being truly great

Rating: 6/10 (20 December 2019)

The film brims with talent, and everything is generally satisfactorily done, but somehow the overall result is less than the sum of its parts. I appreciate Branagh attempting to give his own take on Poirot, although I personally favour David Suchet's portrayal. Given the narrative structure, could it be said that a more nuanced take and portrayal of some things would have brought out more of the actors' skills and given the work a greater depth? There is a real question as to whether my enjoyment of this film, of any adaptation of the source material, is capped given I know how the mystery unfolds. This film is competent, entertaining even, yet I wonder if it will truly be regarded as a great adaptation.