The third film in Kenneth Branagh’s Poirot series, A Haunting in Venice, has received mixed reviews and a modest opening weekend. Is the film a flop or a sleeper hit?
A Haunting in Venice is the latest adaptation of Agatha Christie’s novels featuring the famous Belgian detective Hercule Poirot, played by Kenneth Branagh. The film follows Poirot as he investigates a murder that occurs during a seance in post-war Venice. The film boasts an impressive cast, including Jamie Dornan, Tina Fey, and Michelle Yeoh, and a spooky atmosphere that sets it apart from the previous two films in the series, Murder on the Orient Express and Death on the Nile.
However, the film also faces some challenges that make it a risky venture for 20th Century Studios. First, the film changes the title and the setting of its original source material, Hallowe’en Party, which may confuse or alienate some fans of Christie’s books. Second, the film is a follow-up to Death on the Nile, which underperformed at the box office last year, grossing less than $140 million worldwide against a $75 million budget. Third, the film competes with other horror-themed releases, such as The Nun II and Candyman, which may appeal more to the Halloween crowd.
A Modest Opening Weekend for A Haunting in Venice
According to Box Office Mojo, A Haunting in Venice has grossed $14.5 million in its domestic opening weekend, slightly exceeding its $12 million projections. However, this is still a far cry from the $28.7 million debut of Murder on the Orient Express in 2017, which went on to make over $350 million worldwide. The film also made $22.5 million in other territories, bringing its global total to $37 million.
While these numbers are not disastrous, they are not very encouraging either. The film will need to have strong legs and positive word-of-mouth to break even or turn a profit. The film has received mixed reviews from critics and audiences alike, with a 78% score on Rotten Tomatoes and a B CinemaScore. Some praised the film’s dark tone and Branagh’s performance, while others criticized the film’s slow pace and convoluted plot.
Is A Haunting in Venice a Bomb or a Sleeper Hit?
It may be too early to label A Haunting in Venice as a box office bomb or a sleeper hit. The film still has some potential markets to open in, such as China and Japan, which may boost its international performance. The film may also benefit from being one of the few mystery films in theaters right now, which may attract some viewers who are looking for something different from the usual horror fare.
However, the film also faces some stiff competition from other upcoming releases, such as Dune, No Time to Die, and Eternals, which may overshadow it in terms of buzz and appeal. The film may also suffer from being part of a series that has not established a loyal fan base or a consistent quality level.
Ultimately, A Haunting in Venice will have to rely on its own merits and word-of-mouth to prove itself as a worthy addition to the Poirot franchise and a successful adaptation of Agatha Christie’s work.
