Murder at Blackthorne Manor

This 2023 thriller was a movie that I had never even heard about. But since I had the opportunity to watch it here in 2025, of course I opted to check out what director David Benullo had to offer.

I have to admit, though, that I sat down without a single expectation, as I virtually had no idea what I was in for, aside from it being a thriller.

Writer Suzanne Egan put together a script and storyline that made for a fair enough viewing experience, though I have to say that it was a bit on the boring side for me. There just simply wasn't enough of anything thrilling or exciting happening throughout the course of the 85 minutes that the movie ran for.

I was not familiar with a single actor or actress on the cast list, which was actually something that spoke in favor of the movie, as I do enjoy watching unfamiliar and new talents on the screen. The acting performances in the movie were certainly good, just a shame that the actors and actresses didn't have a more wholesome script to work with.

You're not in for any special effects here, so don't get your expectations up in that department.

My rating of director David Benullo's 2023 thriller "Murder at Blackthorne Manor" lands on a very generous four out of ten stars.

I will say that from all of these types of movies, this is one of the better ones. We still have the same note great acting and a somewhat predictable outcome but at the same time not. But this film does do things right for a made for TV movie that I'm happy to see. Hayley likes to create murder mysteries at the historical blackthorn manor, but when the owner really does end up dead it leaves Hayley and the other guests to solve who did it in time before more bodies show up. I think the lead actress was actually ok. I wish the guests got given more lines as they kind of just are there and don't give much to he plot but ultimately this is not too bad and mystery films like this are pretty good.

That it's shot in darkness and extremely difficult to see what's happening!

Yes, lights go out when the power is cut but viewers still need some residual light to follow our heroine as she explores the cellars and grounds of Murder Manor.

The premise is fun: a murder mystery weekend turns into a real murder mystery when one of the residents is found dead in suspicious circumstances. The mansion house hotel looks authentic, the costumes glamorous (what I could make out in the gloom!) and the cast are engaging.

Christie Leverette is the heroine who carries the movie and does it well.

The two young male leads were of similar height and build; their haircuts were similar and both wore white shirts. Not sure whether this was an intentional plot twist or not. In a couple of scenes set in daylight, I got them mixed up so once the lights went out there was no chance 😊

I'd like to have seen more of the supporting cast whose comic potential as guests were underused.

Passed a cold wet afternoon quite pleasantly.