Based on Agatha Christie’s novel: a new 3-episode detective series is now available on Netflix

Starting today, “Seven Dials” streams on Netflix, adapting a classic novel by Agatha Christie.

Plot

The three-episode series unfolds in an English country house during the 1920s. During a party, a mysterious murder takes place, which an inexperienced but quick-witted detective tries to investigate.

“In 1925, a joke at a party in a country house turned deadly. Lady Eileen ‘Bundle’ Brent investigates the gruesome murder plot. Lady Catherham and Superintendent Battle help unravel the mystery of the country house that changes Bundle’s life.”

Actors and production team

Mia McKenna-Bruce took on the role of Lady Brent, while Helena Bonham Carter and Martin Freeman played her situational assistants. This isn’t Freeman’s first detective role; he previously played Watson in the BBC series Sherlock.

The script for the series was adapted by Chris Chibnall from Doctor Who, and produced by Christie’s great-grandson, James Prichard.

Ratings

Agatha Christie remains one of the most influential mystery writers, so filmmakers frequently adapt her novels.

Recent high-profile examples include Kenneth Branagh’s successful Hercule Poirot films.

However, early reviews of the new Netflix series may lower expectations for a top-tier detective story.

Most complaints concern the lack of tension or sense of danger, as well as the slow pace of the narrative. Praise was given to Freeman and Bonham Carter for their excellent acting, the elements of humor, and the setting.

The main verdict: true fans of detective stories and Christie will find nothing to like here, but for everyone else, the series can be wonderful, light entertainment for an evening. 

Final Verdict

“At best, it’s a decent miniseries, whose effectiveness seems to be geared more toward viewers who watch Netflix creations while doing other things.”