The Thursday Murder Club (2025) Review – A Cozy Crime With Wit, Warmth, and Whodunit Twists

Richard Osman’s beloved bestseller comes to life on screen in The Thursday Murder Club, a witty crime comedy directed by Chris Columbus. With a dazzling ensemble led by Helen Mirren, Pierce Brosnan, Ben Kingsley, and Celia Imrie, the film captures the charm of amateur sleuthing while adding a dash of Hollywood sparkle. Released on August 22, 2025, in select cinemas and arriving on Netflix August 28, this cozy caper is already stirring conversations about murder, mystery, and the magic of friendship.

🕵️ Plot – Murder Meets Retirement Home Mischief

At Coopers Chase, a picturesque retirement village, life seems calm — until murder strikes.

The Thursday Murder Club (TMC), a quirky group of retirees — Elizabeth (Mirren), Ron (Brosnan), Ibrahim (Kingsley), and newcomer Joyce (Imrie) — meet weekly to dig into old cold cases. But when a real killing rattles their peaceful home, they dive headfirst into the investigation with help (and occasional resistance) from Police Constable Donna De Freitas (Naomi Ackie).

As bodies pile up, secrets surface — from shady business deals to hidden graves. Friendships are tested, alliances forged, and the sleuths find themselves closer to the truth than even the police. The result? A puzzle box of murder, humor, and surprising humanity.

🎭 Cast – Legends at Play

The magic of The Thursday Murder Club lies in its ensemble.

• Helen Mirren is sharp, sly, and endlessly watchable as Elizabeth, the retired MI6 agent who never stopped being two steps ahead.

• Pierce Brosnan brings gruff charm and heart to Ron, balancing swagger with vulnerability.

• Ben Kingsley makes Ibrahim’s quiet wisdom both funny and deeply touching.

• Celia Imrie steals scenes as Joyce, whose warmth and curiosity glue the group together.

The supporting cast adds flair — David Tennant, Richard E. Grant, Naomi Ackie, and Henry Lloyd-Hughes deliver layers of intrigue, while Jonathan Pryce provides bittersweet weight as Elizabeth’s husband.

🎬 Direction & Tone – Cozy Crime Done Right

Director Chris Columbus keeps the film brisk and playful, with a polished style that feels like a cross between Knives Out and a Sunday-night British drama. The humor never undercuts the stakes, and the film finds a delicate balance between nostalgia, suspense, and community spirit.

It may not reinvent the murder mystery wheel, but its warmth makes the film an easy watch — like curling up with tea and a detective novel.

⭐ Reception – A Crowd-Pleaser With Flaws

The film has been met with generally positive reviews. Critics highlight its charm, strong performances, and lighthearted tone. Some note it runs slightly long at 118 minutes and occasionally feels more like the setup for a TV series than a standalone movie. Still, audiences are embracing it as a comforting yet twisty tale perfect for fans of cozy crime fiction.

📝 Themes – Age, Friendship & Second Chances

Beneath the jokes and clues lies a heartwarming message: aging doesn’t mean fading away. The Thursday Murder Club members prove that wit, wisdom, and courage only sharpen with time.

The film explores themes of:

• 👵 The dignity and vitality of old age.

• ⚖️ Justice and morality in unexpected places.

• 💡 The power of friendship and community in solving life’s mysteries.

📺 Streaming & Release

• Premiere: August 21, 2025, London

• Theatrical Release: August 22, 2025 (30 cinemas)

• Streaming: Netflix, August 28, 2025

🎬 Final Verdict

The Thursday Murder Club may not be as sharp as a true noir, but it doesn’t need to be. With a cast of legends, playful direction, and enough twists to keep audiences guessing, it’s a warm and witty mystery that feels like an old friend telling a new story.

⭐ Rating: 3.5/5 – A charming, cozy whodunit that proves murder can be surprisingly heartwarming when solved by the right company.