MOVIE REVIEW
Invitation to a Murder
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Genre: Mystery, Thriller
Year Released: 2024
Runtime: 1h 32m
Director(s): Stephen Shimek
Writer(s): Gérard Miller, Brian O'Donnell, Jerome Reygner-Kalfon, Sebastien Semon
Cast: Mischa Barton, Chris Browning, Bianca A. Santos, Giles Matthey, Grace Lynn Kung, Seamus Dever, James Urbaniak, Amy Sloan, Alex Hyde-White, Clark Carmichael, Rae Gray, Liz Pazik, Curtis Edward Jackson, Peter Berwick, Don Stuck
Where To Watch: on UK Digital December 30, 2024

RAVING REVIEW: Stepping into the foggy shadows of 1930s England, INVITATION TO A MURDER brings a new addition to the spellbinding aura of a whodunit mystery flick with a visual flair that promises much but delivers an uneven narrative pace. While it beautifully captures the period's atmospheric charm, the film sometimes stumbles, but if you like KNIVES OUT or the 1985 classic CLUE, you’ll likely enjoy it! 

At the heart of INVITATION TO A MURDER is Mischa Barton's Miranda Green, a florist whose ordinary life takes an extraordinary turn. When thrust into the center of a chilling mystery, her invitation to a secluded mansion spirals into a suspenseful ordeal. Barton's performance is a beacon of strength, providing much-needed vitality to a screenplay that falls into some predictable moments. Her transformation into a cunning detective is portrayed with a sharp intelligence that becomes the film’s central pillar. This angle enriches the story and provides viewers with a new lens to appreciate the challenges and triumphs of an accidental detective caught in a web of deceit and danger.

The ensemble cast brings a mix of characters, from a tough American journalist to a secretive attorney, each adding intrigue to the film's mysterious atmosphere. However, some of these characters suffer from underdevelopment. Despite these setbacks, the film's authentic set designs and careful attention to costume detail encapsulate the elegance and style of the era, standing out as one of the film’s most consistent pleasures. This is one of those films you must immerse yourself in to appreciate fully!

INVITATION TO A MURDER, steeped in genre traditions, tends to play it safe, sticking closely to the tried-and-true elements of its predecessors. This adherence to old-school mystery mechanics may delight traditionalists but not satisfy those seeking innovation within the genre. At the same time, the dialogue occasionally hits a snag here and there, lacking the dynamic interplay necessary to elevate key moments. This was a tough review because I’m a sucker for this genre, but there was a lot to like here, even with its struggles.

As the story concludes, the film attempts to untangle its tangled threads with a grand revelation. Unfortunately, the finale rushes towards its conclusion, undercutting the suspense it aims to build and leaving the resolution somewhat underwhelming. Some editing could significantly enhance the experience.

INVITATION TO A MURDER navigates the familiar territories of mystery and intrigue with a commendable lead performance and stunning visual appeal. Yet, it struggles to break new ground or leave an unforgettable mark on the genre. While a visually appealing journey through the annals of mystery lore, the film ultimately serves as a gentle reminder of the genre's potential rather than a groundbreaking reinvention.

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[photo courtesy of PLAION PICTURES]

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