What do four retirees or pensionaries have in common? They all have a passion for unraveling murder mysteries, so they meet weekly to discuss cold cases. “The Thursday Murder Club” is a crime- comedy movie available on Netflix. The movie is based on the bestselling book of the same name by Richard Osman.
The dazzing four actors portray characters residing in a charming retirement community in East London they are Elizabeth (Helen Mirren), Ron (Pierce Brosnan), Joyce (Celia Imrie) and Ibrahim (Sir Ben Kingsley). They are very surprised when their amateur detective work takes an unexpectant and thrilling turn and they find themselves with a real mystery waiting to be solved.
The author, Richard Osman, of the book has said that he wanted to write about the four older people embarking on new adventures, sprinkled with a dash of mischief. His message resonates throughout: although life may have fewer years ahead, there is still ample opportunity to hone one’s skills and contribute meaningfully. This uplifting theme shines brightly in the movie, which artfully blends comedy and heart.
While the film adaptation stays true to the spirit of the original story in many ways, it does simplify the plot, sacrificing some of the intricacies and nuances that enrich the novel. I found myself longing for more of Joyce’s perspective, which feels a bit overlooked in the cinematic version.
My book club recently gathered to read the book and watch the movie together, and it was an absolute delight. We had a fantastic time identifying the differences between the two, though the film generally remains faithful to its source material. The comedic elements particularly stand out, with Pierce Brosnan seemingly relishing every moment on screen. This joyful portrayal serves as a delightful reminder to viewers of the film’s central message: to embrace life with enthusiasm and live it to the fullest!
Sarah Knight Adamson ©September 8, 2025