As someone who grew up watching David suchet as poirot I always struggle to accept anyone new in the role, his version of this well known character is iconic. However, despite seeing generally negative reviews I was surprised to find myself enjoying this very different version. Well written and very well acted by John Malkovich, even Rupert Grint was ok and I usually find him too irritating to watch. Malkovich speaks french fluently in real life and this added authenticity to his performance. In this adaptation poirot is aging and no longer the celebrated detective he once was, which is a departure from the book this story is based on but an interesting new depiction of the character. Despite being at a low point in his life he is still portrayed as extremely dignified. Many reviewers seem to take issue with the underlying themes of xenophobia and immigration, however I didn't find that this distracted from the plot in anyway, and personally I found the comparison between 1930s attitudes and those of today's more 'enlightened' world quite thought provoking. Many others seem to take issue with the series being too dark. I admit it's darker than suchet era poirot, however, that version would probably seem a little dated to most of today's audiences. If you don't want to watch something too dark I suggest opting for some nice fluffy reality tv drivel instead of a program about a serial murderer! I will say that when the murderer is revealed their method seems a little elaborate, killing so many people just to cover up the murder of one? And purposely involving a man you know to be one of the greatest detectives in the world? But given that this is in keeping with the original book i feel I can't complain too much. My biggest complaint, the thing I can't overlook is the new backstory given to poirot! A huge departure from the books, I assume it was done to explain his motivations throughout, for example the significance to him of 'keeping his word to the dead'. However I think this could have been achieved in a far more subtle way without essentially rewriting such a well known characters entire backstory! But overall well acted, suspenseful (assuming you've not read the book of course) and I would definitely watch Malkovich as poirot again, his version had class, dignity and was highly likeable.
Review of The ABC Murders
