--- title: "A Haunting in Venice: the reviews" canonical: "https://film.one/film/a-haunting-in-venice/reviews" title_page: "https://film.one/film/a-haunting-in-venice" critics_score: 64 critics_reviews: 17 licence: "© Fi1m Ltd. Written by AI under a human editor; checked against sources before publication. Quote with attribution and a link to the canonical URL." --- # A Haunting in Venice (2023): what the critics said Critics' score 64 from 17 reviews: 8 positive, 7 mixed, 2 negative. Most critics like this third Poirot better than the second, and a good number call it the best of the three. The praise clusters around the same things: the Venetian locations, the gothic atmosphere Branagh works up with tilted camera angles, the production design, and an ensemble in which Tina Fey and Michelle Yeoh are singled out most often. Several also welcome a quieter, sadder Branagh in the lead. The reservations are almost as consistent. The mystery itself is thought thin, its clues too obvious and its reveal hurried, and the horror is judged mild rather than frightening, with a script that leans on exposition. The spread is wide. The Times calls it the weakest of the series, glum and without tension; the Telegraph finds the camerawork a distraction from the plot; The Hollywood Reporter thinks it watchable but uninvolving. Even so, the reviews land more warm than cold. ## Empire — Helen O'Hara Fi1m's normalised score 80/100 (inferred from the text). 12 September 2023. Branagh gives the Poirot series a shockingly different gothic feel set in 1947 Venice, with a creepier energy and Dutch angles that emphasize the eeriness. The gothic twist works remarkably well even if it remains business as usual for the detective. [Read the review](https://www.empireonline.com/movies/reviews/haunting-in-venice/) ## Screen Daily Fi1m's normalised score 80/100 (inferred from the text). 9 September 2023. The third Poirot film is the most enjoyable yet, succeeding as an engaging, undemanding exercise in gothic mood with spooky textures, strong production design and an improved, less hammy performance from Branagh. [Read the review](https://www.screendaily.com/reviews/a-haunting-in-venice-review/5185263.article) ## The i Paper — Francesca Steele Fi1m's normalised score 75/100 (inferred from the text). 13 September 2023. This is Branagh’s best Poirot yet, lifted by a cast including Tina Fey and Michelle Yeoh and a jumpy frisson from PTSD themes that suits the tale. The film moves merrily along but the script remains exposition-heavy with a skimmed-over reveal. [Read the review](https://inews.co.uk/culture/film/haunting-venice-review-kenneth-branagh-2610900) ## Radio Times — Patrick Cremona Rating 3/5. Branagh conjures a spooky atmosphere and makes fine use of the moody Venetian locales in this loose adaptation. However, the mystery itself is rushed and convoluted, rendering it a middling Christie adaptation. [Read the review](https://www.radiotimes.com/movie-guide/b-xa0tsr/a-haunting-in-venice/) ## Time Out — Olly Richards Rating 3/5. 11 September 2023. The critic finds it a fun but horror-lite outing for Poirot. Branagh makes handsome use of Venice's spookiness and the cast delivers lightly camp performances, but the mystery feels soggy with too-obvious clues and repetitive interrogations. [Read the review](https://www.timeout.com/movies/a-haunting-in-venice-2023) ## Evening Standard — Charlotte O'Sullivan Fi1m's normalised score 50/100 (inferred from the text). 15 September 2023. The film is consistently gorgeous and toys smartly with rational explanations while allowing Tina Fey to shine, making it an indulgent Halloween treat. It fails to haunt compared to classic chillers and has problems with casting and an underwhelming script. [Read the review](https://www.standard.co.uk/culture/film/a-haunting-in-venice-movie-review-kenneth-branagh-agatha-christie-b1105888.html) ## The AV Club — Murtada Elfadl Rating C-. 10 September 2023. The mystery is easily guessed and the film feels dull, relying on a tired formula with uninspired visuals, overacting, and sagging pace. It misses opportunities for chills or fresh surprises in its gothic setting. [Read the review](https://www.avclub.com/a-haunting-in-venice-film-review-kenneth-branagh-1850816059) ## The Telegraph — Tim Robey Rating 2/5. 10 September 2023. The review criticises the film’s overwrought Gothic stylings and distracting camerawork as detracting from the plot. While the story offers some novelty, Branagh’s direction and the overall execution fall short. [Read the review](https://www.telegraph.co.uk/films/0/a-haunting-in-venice-review-kenneth-branagh-poirot/) ## The Times Fi1m's normalised score 30/100 (inferred from the text). 12 September 2023. The critic calls this the weakest of Branagh’s Poirot films, faulting its glum tone and lack of tension or fun. The adaptation of Hallowe’en Party is seen as lifeless despite the Venice setting and cast. [Read the review](https://www.thetimes.com/culture/books/article/a-haunting-in-venice-review-glum-tension-free-poirot-is-kenneth-branagh-s-weakest-yet-58sprfbhp) ## Financial Times — Danny Leigh Rating ★★★☆☆. 14 September 2023. The film is praised for confidently blending horror elements with Christie’s formula and strong ensemble performances in an authentic Venetian setting. It is viewed as an entertaining, crowd-pleasing entry that leans into atmosphere and showmanship. [Read the review](https://www.ft.com/content/11b59eb9-cf4f-42b1-bfd8-a5836d0a7c26) ## IndieWire — Christian Zilko 9 September 2023. A supernatural twist fails to energize the lethargic story, leaving the detective’s latest case feeling hardly worth his time or the audience’s. The film struggles to justify its own premise. [Read the review](https://www.indiewire.com/criticism/movies/a-haunting-in-venice-review-1234904075/) ## Los Angeles Times — Justin Chang 14 September 2023. The critic hails it as the strongest entry in Branagh's Christie series, praising its atmospheric visuals and willingness to deviate from the source for better effect. They single out the resonant human themes of grief and trauma that elevate the supernatural hokum. [Read the review](https://www.latimes.com/entertainment-arts/movies/story/2023-09-14/a-haunting-in-venice-review-kenneth-branagh-tina-fey-agatha-christie) ## Slant Magazine — Gregory Nussen 9 September 2023. The film is a dusty, dry, and sluggish affair undercut by murky storytelling, odd pacing, and telegraphed scares, despite evocative period details and strong turns from some cast members. It squanders an electrifying setup. [Read the review](https://www.slantmagazine.com/film/a-haunting-in-venice-review-kenneth-branagh/) ## The Guardian 16 September 2023. The critic finds the film an improvement over Branagh’s previous Poirot outing thanks to stronger casting and an atmospheric Venetian setting. The story remains formulaic but is elevated by enjoyable performances and a spooky tone. [Read the review](https://www.theguardian.com/film/2023/sep/16/a-haunting-in-venice-review-kenneth-branagh-agatha-christie-halloween-party-kelly-reilly-michelle-yeoh-tina-fey) ## The Hollywood Reporter — Caryn James 9 September 2023. The critic sees the film as the least of Branagh’s Poirot outings, watchable yet ultimately uninvolving due to poky pacing and duller characters. Branagh’s somber Poirot performance stands out as a highlight amid the lethargic mystery. [Read the review](https://www.hollywoodreporter.com/movies/movie-reviews/a-haunting-in-venice-review-michelle-yeoh-tina-fey-kenneth-branagh-agatha-christie-1235575689/) ## The New Yorker — Anthony Lane 15 September 2023. The critic appreciates the film's bold relocation and gothic excesses, calling its stylistic flourishes and campy energy charming despite the ridiculousness. They single out the precocious child character Leopold for particular interest amid the Venetian atmosphere. [Read the review](https://www.newyorker.com/magazine/2023/09/25/a-haunting-in-venice-movie-review-el-conde) ## The New York Times — Jason Zinoman 13 September 2023. The critic describes the film as a lively whodunit infused with horror tropes, noting its playful misdirection and genre-blending. They single out Tina Fey's witty, opportunistic performance as a highlight that invigorates the proceedings. [Read the review](https://www.nytimes.com/2023/09/13/movies/a-haunting-in-venice-review.html) ## Variety — Todd Gilchrist 9 September 2023. The critic finds the film an entertaining, grown-up mix of mystery and gothic horror that benefits from strong ensemble turns. They single out the supporting cast, particularly Michelle Yeoh and Jude Hill, for adding depth and playfulness to the proceedings. [Read the review](https://variety.com/2023/film/reviews/a-haunting-in-venice-review-kenneth-branagh-1235717211/) ## Vulture — Bilge Ebiri 15 September 2023. Far from perfect, the film feels like the work of a rejuvenated director who shifts to a stranger, more insular, and moody style with effective quiet moments and inventive techniques. It marks a welcome evolution in Branagh’s Poirot series. [Read the review](https://www.vulture.com/article/movie-review-kenneth-branaghs-a-haunting-in-venice.html) ## Polygon — Petrana Radulovic Fi1m's normalised score 85/100 (inferred from the text). 14 September 2023. Branagh fully embraces over-the-top theatricality and gothic horror in the best Poirot film yet, turning the story into a fun Scooby-Doo-style haunted house mystery with strong atmosphere. [Read the review](https://www.polygon.com/23871918/a-haunting-in-venice-review/) ## The Wrap Fi1m's normalised score 85/100 (inferred from the text). 9 September 2023. The critic calls it Poirot’s best adventure yet and a refreshing moody Gothic horror film. It stands out for its sense of dread, elegant script, and strong supporting performances rather than relying on jump scares. [Read the review](https://www.thewrap.com/a-haunting-in-venice-movie-review-kenneth-branagh/) ## Digital Spy — Mireia Mullor Rating 4/5. 15 September 2023. The critic calls it the best in the Poirot saga, praising the spooky atmosphere, twisty mystery, real locations, and balance of genres with a stellar cast. [Read the review](https://www.digitalspy.com/movies/a45021097/haunting-in-venice-review/) ## Consequence Rating B. 15 September 2023. The mystery offers pleasant atmospheric thrills and strong cast moments without heavy scares or supernatural commitment. It works best as light spooky entertainment. [Read the review](https://consequence.net/2023/09/a-haunting-in-venice-how-scary-is-it/) ## Deadline — Valerie Complex Fi1m's normalised score 75/100 (inferred from the text). 9 September 2023. The critic finds that Branagh has finally found his rhythm with the Christie adaptations in this more mature and focused entry. Venice serves as an ideal atmospheric backdrop, and the smaller scope makes it the standout of the trilogy. [Read the review](https://deadline.com/2023/09/a-haunting-in-venice-review-kenneth-branagh-tackles-world-of-agatha-christie-1235530623/) ## Collider — Emma Kiely Rating C+. 9 September 2023. The film is marketed as horror but lacks scares and direction feels inconsistent with mismatched styles and performances. The Christie plot twist stands out as the strongest element. [Read the review](https://collider.com/a-haunting-in-venice-review/) ## Den of Geek — David Crow Rating 3/5. 14 September 2023. The critic praises the atmospheric Gothic setting in Venice and Branagh's more melancholic take on Poirot but finds the horror elements clumsy and the mystery straightforward and unchallenging. [Read the review](https://www.denofgeek.com/movies/a-haunting-in-venice-review-branagh-makes-horror-hercule-poirot/) ## NME — Alex Flood Fi1m's normalised score 50/100 (inferred from the text). 15 September 2023. The critic finds it a mixed bag, praising the beautiful capture of Venice but criticizing the dull plot, lack of genuine scares or humor, and failure to deliver a shocking rebirth for the series. [Read the review](https://www.nme.com/reviews/film-reviews/a-haunting-in-venice-review-poirot-kenneth-branagh-3498609) ## /Film — Josh Spiegel Rating 5 out of 10. 9 September 2023. The critic finds the film a soggy faux-supernatural return for Poirot that fails to deliver on its eerie ambitions. The mystery is only half as engaging as it aims to be despite its visual flourishes and setting. [Read the review](https://www.slashfilm.com/1387790/a-haunting-in-venice-review/) ## Paste — Kathy Michelle Chacón Rating 7.0. 13 September 2023. Branagh's loosest and most enjoyable Poirot entry benefits from on-location shooting and atmospheric Venetian setting. It delivers creepy whodunit fun with some minor flaws. [Read the review](https://www.pastemagazine.com/movies/kenneth-branagh/a-haunting-in-venice-review) --- © Fi1m Ltd. Written by AI under a human editor; checked against sources before publication. Quote with attribution and a link to the canonical URL. Our review: https://film.one/film/a-haunting-in-venice.md