Reboot on the right track

precise they’d win even the demanding Poirot’s approval.

Branagh, perhaps recognising how verbal interplay dominates the story, utilises various different shots to add some diversity; peering down from overhead, close-ups to emphasise the importance of facial expressions being used to evoke trust and possible deception and terrific tracking shots of the full cast on the train.

And the former Thor director is every bit as impressive in front of the camera. Defying fears that no-one bar David Suchet can do Poirot justice, Branagh is much more than a gimmick moustache; the detective’s attention to detail, humorous, brave jabs at others and touching reflective moments are a joy to behold.

You’ll rarely find such an expansive, bigname cast as this outside of an Avengers movie and Michelle Pfeiffer, Judi Dench, Johnny Depp, Josh Gad and Derek Jacobi impress.

No-one quite shines like Branagh, however, and others, like Penélope Cruz and Olivia Colman, get lost in the shuffle, while Daisy Ridley is so like Keira Knightley she could pass for a clone.

As fun as it is to see Poirot dissect suspects, the faceto-face interrogation gets a bit repetitive and while there are some changes to the story, this will be a tale very familiar to many.

Branagh and his camera are the stars of this luxurious, absorbing reboot worthy of its source material.

More Poirot is hinted at come the climax, and I, for one, would be delighted to see Branagh take on another case.