FILM REVIEW: See How They Run

Katie Heyes

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From the tactful use of red herrings to the shocking denouements, Agatha Christie’s scenarios practically mastered the art of deceptive plotting, captivating readers until the very end. See How They Run embraces many of these classic whodunit tropes in full parodic splendour in this loving homage to one of Christie’s most renowned works – The Mousetrap.

The murder mystery genre has seen a resurgence in popularity in recent years, with films such as Murder on the Orient Express and Death on the Nile, becoming box office hits. While these cinematic adaptations received mixed critical reviews, both are a testament to the enduring appeal of Christie’s skilfully sculpted mysteries which have practically defined the classic whodunit structure.

After opening in London’s West End in 1952, The Mousetrap has since become the longest-running play in history with over 28,000 performances. While See How They Run may not be a direct adaptation, the play nevertheless functions prominently not just as a plot device, but as the inspiration for the film’s own storyline.

The plot thickens…

As See How They Run begins, viewers are transported to London’s dazzling West End where a cast and crew who are portraying Christie’s The Mousetrap, are celebrating the show’s 100th performance. This is accompanied by a sardonic non-diegetic narration by one of the characters, Leo Köpernick, who provides an ironic commentary on some of the classic tropes which are practically ubiquitous to the whodunit genre.

As he observes, they all begin with “an interminable prologue in which all the key players are introduced” and “the most unlikable character gets bumped off.”

Sure enough, these scenarios begin to play out within the narrative itself as the party conveniently gathers all of our main characters into one room: smug playwright Mervyn Cocker-Norris (David Oyelowo), respected theatre owner Petula Spencer (Ruth Wilson), reserved usher Dennis (Charlie Cooper) and the jesting narrator himself Leo Köpernick (Adrien Brody) – an American Director who is negotiating film rights to the play.

Not all fiction

While these individuals are strictly fictional creations, the film also features characters who are based on real people: Richard Attenborough (Harris Dickinson), and his wife and co-star, Sheila Sim (Pearl Chanda) who both starred in the original stage production of ‘The Mousetrap’. Oscar-winning British producer of Oliver! and The African Queen, John Woolf (Reece Shearsmith) is also portrayed in the film.

A Murder Mystery, a “word-weary” Inspector and a blaze Constable

The festivities are soon disrupted when a drunken Köpernick gets into a fight with Attenborough. Following this altercation, he is brutally murdered by a masked assailant, making everyone at the party a potential suspect.

Investigating the case is the “word-weary” Inspector Stoppard (Sam Rockwell) and his enthusiastic rookie Constable Stalker (Saoirse Ronan) who make a charming and odd couple. Stoppard’s blaze attitude juxtaposed with Stalker’s passionate outbursts creates hilarious moments in the film. Especially during the scenes where Stoppard must contend with Stalker’s incessant ability to jump to conclusions and declare “case closed!” after every interrogation.

Glitz, Glamour and a strong cast to boot

The main area where See How They Run excels is in its cast, as there are no weak performers. Everyone embodies their role to perfection, channelling the sophisticated glitz and glamour of the 1950s, with each actor bringing their own comedic flair to the film.

David Oyelowo particularly stands out as the flamboyant and pompous Mervyn Cocker-Norris, relishing every scene he’s in with glorious fervour. Reece Shearsmith also gives a great performance as the adulterous producer John Woolf, lending a charismatic touch to the role which makes him so utterly at home within the genre.

While the film certainly enjoys poking fun at the traditional conventions of a murder mystery, it also serves as a warm tribute to the classic 50s film genre. The lavish sets and costumes paired with Jamie Ramsay’s rich cinematography captures the quintessential glamour of the era.

A treat for the eyes and ears

It’s such a visual delight that you find yourself wishing you didn’t have to leave this world behind. It is also an acoustic delight with Daniel Pemberton’s thrilling score, varying from a steady jazz beat to a suspense-building crescendo. The music towards the film’s denouement in particular really enhances the tension, making the lead-up to the big reveal all the more exciting.

A film filled with intrigue, thrill and comedy

Although this film promises plenty of laughs, the intrigue and thrill of the investigation are never sacrificed. The mystery itself is full to the brim with twists and turns which, while lacking the gut-punching impact of a Christie twist, still keeps viewers on their toes until the very end.

See How They Run’s only downside is the fact that it leaves us wanting more. The supporting cast members were so strong that it seems a shame that they weren’t given more screen time.

Nevertheless, there is no denying this film exudes the wit, charm and elegance belonging to the classic era of murder mysteries which, blended with a fun comedic sensibility and eclectic cast, makes for a thoroughly enjoyable viewing experience.

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Featured image courtesy of Frank O’Dwyer via Flickr. Image license found here. No changes have been made to this image.