2022 has been a feeding ground for originality in cinemas since day dot. See How They Run continues that trend with a self aware Agatha Christie romp filled to the brim with some of our favourite movie stars.
It’s 1950s London. On the eve of The Mousetrap’s hundredth stage performance, directors, writers and producers gather to conceive of its film adaptation. But as the celebrations go on into the night, murder is afoot. So, Sam Rockwell’s troubled detective and his eager young constable Saoirse Ronan are on the case, questioning every suspect and following every clue to get to the bottom of it.
Obviously you’d be forgiven for thinking you were off to see the latest colourful Wes Anderson picture with all the obvious symmetry and ticking musical notes (not to mention regular collaborators Ronan and Brody). But for all the inspiration the film draws upon, from Anderson to Branagh and of course Agatha Christie herself, it’s within this meta self awareness that first time director Tom George delivers a great sense of comfort.
The creators know what they’re doing, and from the get go you can just sit back, relax and enjoy a jolly good murder mystery.
There’s purpose to the mimicry, refreshingly drawing upon long established conventions to offer a feel-good tone that provides great laughs and scoffs aplenty.
Is it Any Good? It’s not the grand finale that will satisfy its audience, but following the clues along the way is the real fun