see how they run

See how they run review: Agatha would be proud

See How They Run is a whodunit with a twist of its own. It’s a bloody fun take on the Agatha Christie-style whodunnit, with a post-modern element that is both self referential, and delightful. In the director’s chair is Tom George, who weaves a highly entertaining story with characters bursting with life. And I highly recommend you go out and see it!

I love a murder mystery, and one of the most famous is The Mouse Trap by Agatha Christie. I saw the play in Cape Town back in 2018, but the play has been going much longer. In fact, it’s the longest running play in the West End, having opened back in 1952. And this movie knows it. In fact, it’s integral to the entire story. Don’t worry, no spoilers. As I’ve seen the movie, and the play, I am not an accomplice, and so must keep it a secret.

An American filmmaker (Adrien Brody as Leo Köpernick) wants to make an adaption of the famous play, The Mouse Trap, for various financial reasons. Only, he gets a bit dead, and now we need to figure out who did the crime!

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See, no spoilers! Brody has a blast as the overly horny Leo Köpernick, and is delightful to watch. But he isn’t the lead. Not by a long shot. That honour is filled by Sam Rockwell as Inspector Stoppard and
Saoirse Ronan as Constable Stalker. Stoppard is a weary, alcoholic inspector. He’s seen it all, and he doesn’t like any of what he’s seen. Joining him is new ‘female’ recruit Constable Stalker. She’s annoyingly eager, takes notes about everything, and has everything to prove. She’s also a massive Agatha fan.

Sam Rockwell is great here, but he’s great in most things. And to be honest, the role is a bit of a cliched one that doesn’t demand much. I was far more taken with Constable Stalker. Saoirse Ronan is a brilliant actress. She had me on the verge of tears in Lady Bird, which is the last movie I can remember with her in. She’s incredibly sweet as a very wet behind the ears copper who is so eager to please.

see how they run

One of the things I love about this film is it’s very self aware nature. It plays with the fact its based in Agatha’s realm, and does so by bending and twisting the conventions of that genre. But this realm is also a real world set in 1953 with real people, like Dickie Attenborough as Harris Dickinson.

It’s this meta element that makes the film stand out. Okay, that and the fact that the actors are all brilliant! Instead of a straightforward comedy/murder mystery, we have a game within a game. In fact, See How They Run felt like I was in a theatre. Perhaps that was because my girlfriend and her red wine were having a blast. Loudly. As was the chap sitting across the isle. It’s a fun movie and I’m glad that the audience, for the most part, were a bit more animated than cadavers.

see how they run
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I have to note actor David Oyelowo (who was brilliant in Gringo), who plays Brody’s nemesis, screenwriter Mervyn Cocker-Norris (don’t you love the names!?) His flamboyant character had the entire audience in hysterics! But then again, they are all superb, what a cast! His character has some of the best lines and he chews the scenery up.

I think if you enjoy Agatha, you’ll love See How They Run. While it certainly isn’t a thought provoking movie, it’s light, fun, and sourly needed in 2022!

I give See How They Run a solid

7.5/10

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All the series and all the movies couldn't put society back together again.