Prepare to be swept away by a murder mystery that’s equal parts thrilling, hilarious, and heartwarming! The Thursday Murder Club, hitting Netflix and select cinemas on August 28, 2025, is the film adaptation of Richard Osman’s international bestselling novel, brought to life by the masterful direction of Chris Columbus (Harry Potter and the Sorcerer’s Stone, Home Alone) and produced through a powerhouse partnership between Netflix and Steven Spielberg’s Amblin Entertainment. This delightful crime-comedy follows four irrepressible retirees—played by a jaw-dropping cast of Helen Mirren, Pierce Brosnan, Ben Kingsley, and Celia Imrie—who trade their quiet retirement village life for a high-stakes whodunit when a real murder lands on their doorstep. Packed with wit, warmth, and unexpected twists, The Thursday Murder Club is poised to be the must-watch film of 2025. Whether you’re a fan of Osman’s novels or simply craving a fresh, star-studded adventure, here’s why this film deserves a prime spot on your watchlist!

A Story That Redefines Retirement

At its heart, The Thursday Murder Club is a celebration of life, love, and the unyielding spirit of its unlikely heroes. Set in the picturesque Coopers Chase retirement village in Kent, England, the film introduces us to four retirees who refuse to let age define them. Elizabeth Best (Helen Mirren), a sharp-witted ex-spy with a knack for uncovering secrets; Ron Ritchie (Pierce Brosnan), a gruff former union activist with a heart of gold; Ibrahim Arif (Ben Kingsley), a thoughtful ex-psychiatrist whose insights cut through the chaos; and Joyce Meadowcroft (Celia Imrie), a seemingly demure ex-nurse with a knack for noticing what others miss. Together, they form the Thursday Murder Club, a group that meets weekly to solve cold-case murders for fun, armed with nothing but their wits, life experience, and a shared love of crime novels.

But when an unexplained death rocks their tranquil community, the club’s hobby turns deadly serious. As the body count rises and secrets unravel, these amateur sleuths dive headfirst into a real-life murder investigation, uncovering a web of deceit that stretches from their cozy village to the criminal underbelly of London. With their unique skills—Elizabeth’s espionage expertise, Ron’s street smarts, Ibrahim’s psychological acumen, and Joyce’s quiet cunning—they prove that age is no barrier to cracking a case. Blending dark comedy with classic whodunit suspense, the film delivers a rollercoaster of laughs, gasps, and heartfelt moments that will keep you glued to the screen.

A Cast That Shines Brighter Than the Stars

One of the biggest draws of The Thursday Murder Club is its ensemble cast, a veritable who’s-who of acting royalty. Helen Mirren, fresh off her acclaimed performance in The White Bird, brings fierce intelligence and understated humor to Elizabeth, the club’s de facto leader. Pierce Brosnan, known for his suave James Bond days, trades martinis for mischief as Ron, delivering a performance that’s both gritty and endearing. Ben Kingsley, an Oscar winner for Gandhi, infuses Ibrahim with quiet depth and unexpected warmth, while Celia Imrie (The Best Exotic Marigold Hotel) steals scenes as Joyce, whose unassuming demeanor hides a razor-sharp mind.

The supporting cast is equally dazzling, featuring Naomi Ackie (Star Wars: The Rise of Skywalker) as a local police officer caught up in the club’s antics, Daniel Mays (1917) as a shady developer, and David Tennant (Doctor Who) in a mysterious role that’s sure to surprise. Add in Jonathan Pryce (The Two Popes), Tom Ellis (Lucifer), Richard E. Grant (Withnail and I), and Ingrid Oliver (Last Christmas), and you’ve got a lineup that promises fireworks. “This is the finest cast I’ve worked with since Harry Potter,” director Chris Columbus told Netflix. “They’re incredibly well-prepared, and their chemistry is electric.”

The casting of Brosnan as Ron sparked some debate among fans of Osman’s novel, who envisioned a rougher-edged character. But Osman himself defended the choice, noting, “Pierce Brosnan is who Ron would choose to play Ron. In the books, Ron’s a huge fan of Brosnan’s Bond, so it’s perfect.” Brosnan, with his trademark charm, quipped, “I love it. Ron’s a Pierce Brosnan man, and I’m honored to bring him to life.” This meta nod adds a layer of fun for book fans, making the film a love letter to both the novel and its audience.

A Plot Packed with Twists and Heart

Without spoiling the delicious surprises, The Thursday Murder Club weaves a complex tapestry of murder, betrayal, and redemption. The story kicks off when a local property developer is found dead under suspicious circumstances, thrusting the retirement village into chaos. The Thursday Murder Club, accustomed to dissecting cold cases over tea and biscuits, seizes the chance to solve a real murder. As they dig deeper, they uncover connections to a decades-old crime, a shady real estate deal, and a cast of suspects with motives as varied as their alibis.

What sets the film apart is its ability to balance high-stakes drama with laugh-out-loud humor. One minute, you’re chuckling at Joyce’s quirky observations in her diary entries (a nod to the novel’s structure); the next, you’re on the edge of your seat as Elizabeth outsmarts a dangerous foe. The screenplay, penned by Katy Brand (Good Luck to You, Leo Grande) and Suzanne Heathcote (Killing Eve), stays true to Osman’s witty dialogue while amplifying the cinematic thrills. “The plot is based on the first book, but we’ve made some changes to surprise even the biggest fans,” Osman teased on his podcast The Rest Is Entertainment.

At its core, the film is about more than just solving a murder—it’s about the power of friendship, the wisdom of experience, and the joy of living life to the fullest, no matter your age. Osman drew inspiration from his mother’s retirement community, noting, “These people have lived extraordinary lives, and their stories are so often overlooked. The idea that they could solve a crime with their skills and invisibility is what sparked the book.” The film captures this spirit, making you root for these underdog sleuths as they outwit younger, flashier adversaries.

Why You’ll Fall in Love with The Thursday Murder Club

The Thursday Murder Club is a cinematic gem that checks every box for an unforgettable viewing experience. Here’s why it’s poised to be your new favorite film:

Irresistible Humor and Heart: The film’s blend of dark comedy and heartfelt moments is pitch-perfect. From Ron’s sarcastic quips to Joyce’s endearing naivety, the dialogue crackles with wit, while the emotional beats—especially the retirees’ reflections on love and loss—will tug at your heartstrings.

A Whodunit That Keeps You Guessing: Just when you think you’ve cracked the case, the film throws in a twist that flips everything upside down. The layered mystery, with its mix of red herrings and shocking reveals, will have you theorizing long after the credits roll.

A Stellar Directorial Vision: Chris Columbus, a master of blending humor and heart, brings his signature polish to the film. His experience with ensemble casts (Mrs. Doubtfire, Harry Potter) ensures every character shines, while the lush English countryside setting—filmed in Kent and London—feels like a character in itself.

A Cast You Can’t Resist: With Mirren, Brosnan, Kingsley, and Imrie leading the charge, the chemistry is off the charts. Their interplay, from playful banter to poignant moments, makes you feel like you’re part of the club. The supporting players, especially Ackie and Tennant, add fresh energy to the mix.

A Universal Appeal: Whether you’re a fan of cozy mysteries like Death in Paradise, blockbuster thrillers like Knives Out, or character-driven dramas like The Best Exotic Marigold Hotel, this film has something for everyone. It’s a crowd-pleaser that transcends generations.

A Cinematic Event with Extra Flair

Adding to the excitement, Netflix and the Royal Horticultural Society have teamed up to bring the world of The Thursday Murder Club to life with immersive events across five RHS gardens in the UK from August 22 to August 28, 2025. Fans across the nation can dive into the cozy crime vibe with scavenger hunts, floral billboards inspired by the film, and a themed afternoon tea at RHS Garden Wisley’s Joyce’s Tearoom. Expect delights like “Elizabeth’s Earl Grey (with a twist)” and “Ron’s must-try Sausage Rolls,” alongside Joyce’s famous Lemon Drizzle cake—described as “to die for.” The gardens—Wisley, Bridgewater, Harlow Carr, Hyde Hall, and Rosemoor—will host “Murder Amongst the Marigolds,” blending horticulture with homicide for a one-of-a-kind experience.

These events are a testament to the film’s cultural impact, offering fans a chance to step into Coopers Chase and channel their inner sleuths. “It’s a dream to see The Thursday Murder Club come to life like this,” Osman told Express.co.uk. “From Chris Columbus to this incredible cast, there are geniuses everywhere I look.”

How to Watch and Why You Should

The Thursday Murder Club premieres in select UK cinemas on August 22, 2025, before landing exclusively on Netflix worldwide on August 28, 2025. The film’s dual release makes it accessible whether you crave the big-screen experience or prefer cozying up at home. Check Netflix’s official trailer on YouTube for a tantalizing glimpse of the action, or visit assetshare.netflixstudios.com for first-look images that showcase the cast in their sleuthing glory.

If you’re new to the story, dive into Osman’s novel, a global bestseller that launched a four-book series, with the fifth instalment due in September 2025. The book’s charm lies in its relatable characters and clever plotting, and the film amplifies this with cinematic flair. For those who’ve read the novel, the adapted screenplay offers fresh surprises while staying true to the spirit of Coopers Chase. “I’m pinching myself,” Osman said of the adaptation. “It’s everything I hoped for and more.”

The Verdict: A Must-Watch Masterpiece

The Thursday Murder Club is more than just a movie—it’s a celebration of wit, wisdom, and the thrill of the chase. With a cast that sparkles, a plot that twists and turns, and a heart that beats with warmth, this crime-comedy is destined to be a 2025 standout. The story of four retirees taking on a real murder is as inspiring as it is entertaining, proving that heroes come in all ages. Helen Mirren’s steely resolve, Pierce Brosnan’s roguish charm, Ben Kingsley’s quiet brilliance, and Celia Imrie’s sneaky genius will have you cheering, laughing, and maybe even shedding a tear.

So, mark your calendars for August 28, 2025, and get ready to join the Thursday Murder Club on a wild ride through mystery and mayhem. Whether you’re solving the case alongside Elizabeth, Ron, Ibrahim, and Joyce or savoring the lush visuals of the English countryside, this film promises an experience you won’t forget. Grab your popcorn, gather your friends, and prepare to be dazzled by a whodunit that’s as clever as it is captivating. The Thursday Murder Club is calling—will you answer?