The Thursday Murder Club (2025) Movie Review – Where to Watch Online
Richard Osman’s The Thursday Murder Club was one of the most successful debut novels of the 2020s, quickly climbing bestseller lists worldwide. With three sequels following, it was only a matter of time before Hollywood came knocking. Now, in 2025, Netflix has released its much-anticipated film adaptation, directed by Chris Columbus (Home Alone, Mrs. Doubtfire, Harry Potter).
The premise is charming: four retirees living in a luxury retirement community form a club to investigate unsolved murders. What begins as a hobby quickly turns serious when they stumble into a real murder case, testing not only their wits but their resilience. But does this adaptation manage to balance humor, intrigue, and emotional depth—or does it fall into the trap of being just another formulaic whodunit?
Where to Watch The Thursday Murder Club Online
For viewers in the United States, the film is available exclusively on Netflix. You can stream it now with a subscription: Watch The Thursday Murder Club on Netflix.
As of now, there are no announcements regarding Blu-ray, Amazon Prime Video, or other streaming services. Netflix holds the exclusive rights, which means this will remain its digital home for the foreseeable future.
The Storyline: A Cozy Mystery with a Twist
At Cooper’s Chase, a sprawling and comfortable retirement community, four residents meet weekly in what they call The Thursday Murder Club. Elizabeth (Helen Mirren), Ron (Pierce Brosnan), Ibrahim (Ben Kingsley), and Joyce (Celia Imrie) combine their professional pasts—from espionage to psychiatry—to analyze old unsolved cases.
When Tony Curran, a shady developer and co-owner of the property, is found murdered, the group suddenly has a fresh crime to investigate. What unfolds is a mix of personal intrigue, crooked business dealings, and secrets buried in both the past and present. Alongside them is young police officer Donna De Freitas (Naomi Ackie), who reluctantly gets swept up in the retirees’ unorthodox sleuthing.
The adaptation condenses Richard Osman’s complex book into a two-hour runtime, meaning some subplots and characters feel underdeveloped. Fans of the novel may notice changes—most notably how Bogdan (a fan-favorite character) is handled—but the film keeps the essence of Osman’s humor and warmth.
Cast and Performances
One of the strongest selling points of The Thursday Murder Club is its cast.
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Helen Mirren as Elizabeth – A retired intelligence officer with razor-sharp instincts. Mirren plays her with elegance and authority, though at times she veers into a “M from James Bond” caricature.
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Pierce Brosnan as Ron – The loud, passionate ex-union leader. Brosnan brings charm but feels underutilized.
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Ben Kingsley as Ibrahim – A retired psychiatrist who adds psychological nuance to the investigations. Sadly, he isn’t given enough screen time.
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Celia Imrie as Joyce – The heart of the group, bringing warmth and subtle humor. She arguably delivers the most genuine performance of the ensemble.
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Supporting roles from Jonathan Pryce, David Tennant, Naomi Ackie, and Daniel Mays add star power, though some are reduced to cameos.
The chemistry between the leads works well, and their banter gives the film its lighthearted edge. Still, some performances feel restrained, as though the script didn’t allow the actors to fully shine.
Direction and Screenplay
Chris Columbus, known for balancing family comedy with emotional beats, brings a polished touch to the film. The cinematography and lighting give The Thursday Murder Club a pleasant, cozy aesthetic. However, some viewers may find the color grading too muted, bordering on bland.
The screenplay, adapted by Katy Brand, Suzanne Heathcote, and Richard Osman himself, struggles with pacing. While the first act sets up the characters nicely, the middle section gets bogged down with multiple subplots that feel more distracting than enriching. The finale ties things together, but not with the dramatic punch one might expect from a murder mystery.
Strengths of the Film
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Star-Studded Cast – Mirren, Kingsley, Brosnan, and Imrie bring undeniable gravitas.
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Charming Premise – Retirees solving murders adds freshness compared to the typical young detective tropes.
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Humor and Heart – The film avoids condescending portrayals of older people; instead, it celebrates intelligence and vitality at any age.
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Cozy Mystery Atmosphere – Perfect for fans of lighthearted crime stories like Midsomer Murders.
Weaknesses of the Film
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Pacing Issues – The second act drags, with too many unnecessary subplots.
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Lack of Tension – Despite being a murder mystery, suspense is surprisingly thin.
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Underdeveloped Characters – Some supporting roles feel like wasted potential.
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Changes from the Book – Fans may be disappointed at the omission or alteration of certain storylines, particularly Bogdan’s.
Audience Reactions
Reactions to The Thursday Murder Club have been mixed:
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Fans of the book enjoy seeing their beloved characters on screen but note the film feels like a diluted version of Osman’s intricate plotting.
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Casual viewers praise the lighthearted humor and British charm, though some complain the movie becomes boring halfway through.
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Critics highlight Columbus’ safe direction, saying the film is pleasant but unremarkable—more like a TV pilot than a cinematic event.
One particularly accurate comparison: it feels like Knives Out without the edge or grit, relying instead on sweetness and charm.
Final Verdict
The Thursday Murder Club (2025) is a cozy, star-studded mystery that will appeal to fans of the novel and anyone looking for a light, undemanding watch on Netflix. It won’t satisfy viewers craving high suspense or complex plotting, but it delivers enough wit, charm, and British eccentricity to make it worth a lazy weekend stream.
If you love charming British mysteries, ensemble casts, or are simply curious about how Richard Osman’s beloved book translates to the screen, give The Thursday Murder Club a watch on Netflix.
And if you’ve seen it, I’d love to hear your thoughts—did the film do justice to the book, or did it leave you wanting more? Drop your comments below and let’s start the conversation!
