Review: The Thursday Murder Club - Is This Adaptation Worth Watching?

The Thursday Murder Club is an American mystery-comedy film released in late August 2025 on Netflix, based on the bestselling novel by Richard Osman, first published in 2020.

It is directed by Chris Columbus, best known for classics like Home Alone (1990) and Harry Potter and the Sorcerer’s Stone (2001). The screenplay is by Katy Brand and Suzanne Heathcote, with production by Jennifer Todd, Chris Columbus, and Steven Spielberg. The cast includes Helen Mirren, Pierce Brosnan, Ben Kingsley, David Tennant, Jonathan Pryce, Daniel Mays, Richard E. Grant, and Tom Ellis.

Four retired friends living in a luxury retirement community in Coopers Chase form a club to investigate unsolved murder cases.

Led by former spy Elizabeth, the group also includes ex-union leader Ron, retired psychiatrist Ibrahim, and former nurse Joyce. They meet weekly to discuss old crimes and search for answers.

Their pastime takes an unexpected turn when they encounter a real murder to solve. The crime happens within their own community, and the four friends throw themselves into the investigation, using their skills and wit to challenge the police and uncover the truth.

The film adaptation of Richard Osman’s bestseller captures the spirit of the novel, but to work on screen, it introduces several significant changes. The aim was to streamline the story and focus on what would resonate most with cinema audiences.

Missing Characters

The film removes some important secondary characters from the book, including “Turkish Johnny,” Tony Curran’s business partner, and Bernard, a fellow resident who becomes a love interest for Joyce.

Ron’s Appearance

In the book, Ron is described as a former union leader with a tattoo on his neck. In the film, however, he appears more polished and charismatic, without the tattoo. This change was praised by Richard Osman, who said Pierce Brosnan is exactly the kind of actor Ron himself would have chosen.

Joyce’s Entry into the Club

In the book, former nurse Joyce joins the group deliberately when Elizabeth seeks her medical expertise for an old case. In the film, Joyce’s entry happens more by chance.

The Passport Smuggling Plot

In the film, the criminals are involved in an illegal passport smuggling scheme, simplifying the motive behind the murders. In the book, the reasons are more complex, tied to drug trafficking and other secrets from the characters’ pasts.

Bogdan’s Fate

One of the biggest differences is Bogdan’s fate. In the book, he confesses to killing Tony Curran to Elizabeth’s husband, Stephen, but he is never arrested and continues to be an important character. In the film, however, his confession is recorded, leading to his arrest. This change alters his trajectory and makes it unlikely he will appear in future sequels.

Penny’s Storyline

The story of Penny and her husband, which is central to one of the murders, is much more complex in the book. In the film, their motivations and actions are condensed to make the plot more direct.

Narrative Pacing

The book moves at a slower pace, with multiple subplots and parallel mysteries. The film speeds things up by trimming many of these side stories and focusing on the two main murders, making the story tighter and more dynamic for the screen.

From the start, the cast and direction caught my attention, especially since it is based on a bestseller. That is what made me want to watch this film. Big names like Chris Columbus and Helen Mirren naturally raise expectations.

The adaptation of Richard Osman’s book is well done. Chris Columbus manages to deliver a light and entertaining story that blends mystery, comedy, and drama in a way that most viewers can enjoy, even if some of the depth and complexity of the book is lost.

The cast is without a doubt the strongest part of the film. Helen Mirren is fantastic as Elizabeth, the witty and emotional leader of the group. Pierce Brosnan is a pleasant surprise as Ron, the charismatic and laid-back former union leader. Ben Kingsley brings a touch of serious humor to psychiatrist Ibrahim, while Celia Imrie, as nurse Joyce, is the heart of the story with a delightful and funny performance.

The chemistry among the four leads is outstanding, making it easy to fall in love with this group of friends. The supporting cast also shines, with David Tennant standing out as the villain and Daniel Mays as the detective.

The reception of the film has been mostly positive. Critics largely praise the cast and the cozy tone.

Rotten Tomatoes: 78% approval from 127 critic reviews and 53% approval from over 1,000 audience ratings.

IMDb: 6.6/10 from 47,000 ratings.

Letterboxd: 3.0/5 stars from 178,000 ratings.

This is a successful adaptation that shows protagonists over 70 can be just as intriguing and dynamic as any action hero.

The chemistry between the actors and the characters’ sharp humor make the story a joy to follow. It is a film best enjoyed with family, celebrating friendship, intelligence, and the idea that it is never too late to find a new purpose.

Until next time!