Netflix has struck gold with its latest release, The Thursday Murder Club, a charming and twist-filled adaptation of Richard Osman’s 2020 bestselling novel that has taken the streaming world by storm. Premiering on August 28, 2025, after a limited theatrical run in 30 select U.K. cinemas, the film has skyrocketed to the top of Netflix’s global charts, becoming one of the platform’s most successful late-summer launches. Directed by Chris Columbus and boasting a stellar ensemble led by Helen Mirren, Pierce Brosnan, Ben Kingsley, and Celia Imrie, with standout supporting performances from David Tennant and Tom Ellis, the movie has captivated audiences with its blend of cozy mystery, sharp humor, and heartfelt moments. Viewers are already hailing it as “absolutely brilliant” and “worth a rewatch,” with some calling it the next Knives Out for its witty, star-driven whodunit charm. As the film sparks sequel speculation, it’s clear that The Thursday Murder Club has tapped into a global appetite for clever, comforting crime capers.
A Star-Studded Whodunit
Set in the picturesque Coopers Chase retirement village in the English countryside, The Thursday Murder Club follows four irrepressible retirees who meet weekly to solve cold case murders as a hobby. Helen Mirren shines as Elizabeth Best, a former MI6 agent with a steely demeanor and a mysterious past, while Pierce Brosnan brings roguish charm to Ron Ritchie, a former trade union leader nicknamed “Red Ron.” Ben Kingsley plays Ibrahim Arif, a reserved ex-psychiatrist with a penchant for note-taking, and Celia Imrie rounds out the quartet as Joyce Meadowcroft, a recent widow and former nurse whose baking skills and surprising tolerance for gore make her a perfect fit for the club. The group’s dynamic, infused with wit and warmth, drives the story as their casual sleuthing takes a thrilling turn when a real murder lands on their doorstep.
The supporting cast is equally impressive. David Tennant delivers a delightfully smarmy performance as Ian Ventham, the greedy co-owner of Coopers Chase who plans to bulldoze the village for luxury flats. Tom Ellis steals scenes as Jason Ritchie, Ron’s son and a former champion boxer turned reality TV star, whose charisma and unexpected baking prowess add levity to the mystery. Naomi Ackie shines as PC Donna De Freitas, a sharp police officer who teams up with the retirees, while Jonathan Pryce brings poignancy as Elizabeth’s husband Stephen, grappling with early dementia. Additional players like Richard E. Grant, as the menacing Bobby Tanner, and Henry Lloyd-Hughes, as the enigmatic Bogdan Jankowski, flesh out a rich tapestry of suspects and allies.
Directed by Chris Columbus, known for Home Alone and Harry Potter and the Sorcerer’s Stone, and produced by Steven Spielberg’s Amblin Entertainment, the film balances cozy British sensibilities with cinematic polish. The screenplay, crafted by Katy Brand and Suzanne Heathcote, streamlines Osman’s novel while preserving its quirky spirit, delivering a 1-hour-58-minute runtime that feels brisk yet satisfying. With lush cinematography by Don Burgess and a sentimental score by Thomas Newman, the film creates an inviting world that viewers have described as “quintessentially British” and “perfect for a rainy day.”
A Global Streaming Sensation
Since its Netflix debut, The Thursday Murder Club has dominated streaming charts, outpacing buzzy releases like Darren Aronofsky’s Caught Stealing and the Benedict Cumberbatch-led The Roses. Social media platforms like X are ablaze with praise, with fans calling it “a delightful escape” and “the cozy mystery we didn’t know we needed.” One viewer posted, “Helen Mirren and Pierce Brosnan are impeccable—absolutely brilliant casting!” Another declared, “Tom Ellis as Jason is pure gold. This is Knives Out meets The Best Exotic Marigold Hotel—I’m already rewatching!” The film’s 77% approval rating on Rotten Tomatoes, based on 102 critics’ reviews, reflects its broad appeal, with audiences appreciating its light-hearted tone and stellar performances.
The film’s success lies in its ability to blend humor, heart, and suspense. The plot kicks off when Tony Curran (Geoff Bell), a co-owner of Coopers Chase, is found bludgeoned to death, prompting the Thursday Murder Club to dive into a real-time investigation. As they uncover secrets about Ventham’s shady dealings and a decades-old cold case, the retirees use their unique skills—Elizabeth’s espionage expertise, Ibrahim’s psychological insights, Ron’s street smarts, and Joyce’s medical knowledge—to outwit suspects and the bumbling DCI Chris Hudson (Daniel Mays). The mystery unfolds with clever red herrings, including a threatening message left in Elizabeth’s home and a chilling graveyard encounter, keeping viewers guessing until the final twist.
What sets The Thursday Murder Club apart is its focus on older characters who defy stereotypes. Mirren’s Elizabeth, described by the actress as “unputdownable” in the novel, is a commanding presence, her sharp wit cutting through the film’s lighter moments. Brosnan, despite initial doubts about his casting as the rough-edged Ron, leans into the role with infectious energy, notably in a hilarious aqua aerobics scene. Kingsley’s understated Ibrahim and Imrie’s bubbly Joyce add depth, their chemistry evoking the camaraderie of classic British mysteries like Midsomer Murders. Fans have particularly praised Tom Ellis, with one X post noting, “Tom Ellis as Jason is the charming bloke next door we all want to root for.”
Comparisons to Knives Out
The film’s comparisons to Knives Out are well-earned. Like Rian Johnson’s modern whodunit, The Thursday Murder Club combines a twisty mystery with a charismatic ensemble and a playful tone that doesn’t take itself too seriously. The retirees’ sleuthing antics, paired with sharp banter and a touch of slapstick—like Imrie’s Joyce cursing on a bus or Brosnan’s Ron floating in a yellow inner tube—echo the irreverence of Daniel Craig’s Benoit Blanc. Yet, the film carves its own niche with its focus on older protagonists, a refreshing departure in a genre often dominated by younger heroes. As one critic noted, “It’s Only Murders in the Building meets Book Club, proving that age is no barrier to adventure.”
The film’s emotional undercurrents also resonate. The subplot involving Stephen’s dementia, handled with sensitivity by Pryce and Mirren, adds a layer of poignancy, reminding viewers of the characters’ mortality even as they chase thrills. The retirees’ determination to live fully, despite their age, has struck a chord with audiences, with one fan tweeting, “This film is a love letter to friendship and cleverness—it’s a reminder to never stop living.” The balance of humor and heart, coupled with a satisfying resolution to the murder mystery, has fueled calls for Netflix to adapt Osman’s subsequent novels, including The Man Who Died Twice and The Last Devil to Die.
Challenges and Criticisms
Not all reactions have been glowing. Some book fans have expressed disappointment over changes from Osman’s novel, such as the streamlined plot and the absence of certain characters like Turkish Johnny, a red herring in the book. One X user lamented, “The book’s depth got lost in the rush—should’ve been a miniseries.” Others have criticized the film’s predictable moments and “treacly” tone, with a few reviews noting that the mystery lacks the bite of sharper whodunits. Pierce Brosnan’s cockney accent as Ron has also drawn mixed reactions, with some fans finding it inconsistent, though Osman defended the casting, saying, “Pierce is who Ron would choose to play Ron.”
Despite these critiques, the film’s charm and star power have largely overshadowed its flaws. The decision to make it a feature film rather than a series, while limiting character development, keeps the pace brisk and accessible, appealing to viewers seeking a light, engaging watch. The limited theatrical release, confined to 30 U.K. cinemas, disappointed stars like Mirren, who believed the film could have thrived on the big screen, but its streaming success has proven Netflix’s gamble paid off.
A Franchise in the Making?
The film’s runaway success has sparked fervent speculation about sequels. Osman’s book series, with five novels and over 15 million copies sold worldwide, offers ample material for future adaptations. Mirren and Brosnan have expressed enthusiasm for returning, with the former saying, “I’d love to dive back into Elizabeth’s world.” The involvement of Amblin Entertainment and Columbus, who has a knack for book-to-screen adaptations, bodes well for potential follow-ups. Fans on X are already clamoring for a franchise, with one posting, “Netflix, greenlight the next four books now—this cast is too good to waste!”
The film’s appeal lies in its universal themes—friendship, resilience, and the joy of defying expectations—wrapped in a quintessentially British package. Its ability to attract both book fans and new viewers, from Gen Z to older audiences, underscores its broad reach. The success of A Minecraft Movie ($1 billion globally) and Sinners ($275 million domestically) in 2025 shows that Netflix and its competitors are tapping into diverse demographics, but The Thursday Murder Club stands out for its focus on seasoned stars, proving that Hollywood can still craft compelling stories for and about older characters.
A New Benchmark for Cozy Mysteries
The Thursday Murder Club has cemented its place as Netflix’s cozy murder mystery of the year, blending star power, sly humor, and a satisfying whodunit to create a film that’s as comforting as a slice of Joyce’s sponge cake. Its global dominance on streaming charts, coupled with effusive viewer praise, signals a hunger for stories that celebrate wit and wisdom at any age. While it may not reinvent the genre, its impeccable cast and infectious charm make it a standout, with many already rewatching to catch every twist and chuckle. As one fan summed it up on X, “It’s like a warm hug from your favorite detective show, but with Helen Mirren and Tom Ellis stealing the show.” Whether it spawns a franchise or remains a standalone gem, The Thursday Murder Club has proven that a good mystery, like a fine wine, only gets better with age.
