Death on the Nile (2022)

I guess it’s just my lack of affinity for mystery movies, but, while I appreciate the skill with which this film was made, I found something missing here, some way in which this work just didn’t click. On the positive side, there’s no complaints to be made about the presentation; everything looks gorgeous, the cinematography is wonderful, and the Egyptian locations are used to brilliant effect. The performances are also first rate; no one in the cast makes a shambles of it. So what’s the problem? I think it’s the underlying tale. The mystery genre, in this viewer’s view, is one dedicated to an author trying to prove how clever he or she is--frequently without complete success. There’s little real interest in who-dun what here, and the whole scenario comes off as contrived. Also, I don’t think the exploratory plot points regarding Poirot's background and emotional state really add much to the proceedings; that character is there to perform a function in the story--guide the viewer to the resolution--not really to be a part of it. Add in an unwelcome touch of wokeness and there’s enough about this movie that either annoys or rings false, such that it drags down the total experience, despite the movie's positive aspects. You can be forgiven if you decide to skip this trip.