La reine du crime présente: l'affaire Florence Nightingale

This was a very enjoyable and engrossing drama that was much better than I had anticipated. The characters were well defined and well acted, the story was engrossing (if a little far-fetched), and the production quality was top-notch. Ruth Bradley was extremely engaging as Agatha Christie and it was lovely to see Pippa Haywood on our screens again. Yeah, it was good!

This is a cheeky bit of fun, isn't it? Writer Tom Dalton and director Terry Loane have concocted a splendid murder mystery modeled after Agatha Christie, but here centering her as a protagonist. It's worth noting, perhaps, that this picture adopts a more somber tone than adaptations of the author's work often do; while the likes of Hercule Poirot are known for their wit as much as their intelligence, 'Agatha and the truth of murder' rather denotes the truth that reality is uglier than fiction. Setting that aside, this quite looks and feels just as we'd expect. I won't say that it's wholly essential, but it's well done, and worthwhile on its own merits.

The cast is terrific, with Ruth Bradley especially notable in the nuanced range she demonstrates as Agatha - though that's hardly to count out anyone else involved, for they're all just as swell. While the narrative Dalton has whipped up is solid generally, I think it is a tad on the light side, and maybe a bit direct; on the other hand, the resolution of the plot is delightful. Meanwhile, the little details that round out that story are splendid, with strong dialogue and characters above all, and sturdy scene writing. I admire Loane's direction, giving that screenplay form, and the crew also put in fine work - production design, art direction, costume design, Damien Elliott's cinematography.

I mean it as no offense to anyone involved when I say that this feels less like a mystery one can meaningfully sink their teeth into, and more like a flavorful whimsy to enjoy in passing. This is, after all, a TV movie. This is no inherent mark against it however, and it's plentifully enjoyable - that is, it's all it needs to be. Those seeking the most complex and absorbing of titles may find themselves disappointed, while anyone just broadly looking for something entertaining will feel right at home. As if to emphasize the point, I find it difficult to speak at greater length about this film, for there's not an especial amount of depth to it. Suffice to say that 'Agatha and the truth of murder' isn't necessarily a must-see, but if you have the chance to watch, it's a pleasant way to spend 90 minutes.

A simply wonderful crime film that deserves watching and recommending to everyone. This should be watched as a Double Bill with the recent Murder On The Orient Express. The characters are never just one note as the writers and actors flesh out each part with real sparks of life. Agatha has some wonderful little put downs for the condescending men that she meet throughout the film, very much like Kenneth Branagh's film the dialogue is of the period and not modernised. The direction does look at the period with a modern eye, too how women where and are still treated by men and even other women. By the way i'm a man, make of that what you will. This film was a hoot to watch and a pleasure to recommend.

When I heard the premise, and heard that it wasn't endorsed by Agatha Christie's family, or indeed the estate, I feared the worst, so in truth I watched it with exceedingly low expectations, and is so often the case, I really enjoyed it. I thought the plot, direction, acting, and general vibe were all terrific.

The last time I watched something which tried to explain away Agatha's disappearance it involved The Doctor, Catherine Tate, and a giant wasp, this proposed a slightly more Earthly solution, but was equally as entertaining and witty.

Great acting, I loved Ruth Bradley's interpretation of the great writer, Samantha Spiro and Pippa Haywood were excellent also.

Bravo to those involved, a great Agatha Christie fix, ahead of The ABC Murders.

9/10

For a made for Tv drama this was very good. understated, simple, but well executed. I never would have guessed the whole plot, but perhaps I enjoyed it more because I really wasn't expecting much!?