In for a Murder

Beautifully photographed film from Poland, listed as a comedy.

It really isn't strictly a comedy, but it has humor. The main character is Magda (Magda Smolowik) discovers a body while walking her dog. Her ex-boyfriend is the detective in charge of the case. She considers herself an amateur detective due to all the Agatha Christie books she's read so she basically drives him nuts.

It seems like wherever he goes to conduct an interview, she's there and tries to hide. Quite funny.

Later there is another murder.

The mystery is around a necklace worn by not only the victims but Magda's friend who disappeared years earlier. The necklace has the initial of each woman.

On the home front, Magda has a bad marriage and a controlling husband whom she realizes is cheating as a result of her work on the case.

The acting is good, I loved the scenery and homes, but this didn't hold my interest. Magda is a likable character, but the mystery wasn't enough.

This is Polish version of Pink Panther series in the 60s and 70s, in a nostalgic way. In W JAK MORDERSTWO (2021), the police officer is the replica of Jacques Clouseau. However, he is just the appearance of Jacques Clouseau. The real, inner part of Jacques Clouseau is our heroine here. (It's obvious. The clue? The ringtone of her phone is, yes, Pink Panther's theme.)

What's more interesting about this movie is that the protagonist is more than the nosy, slipshod, kindhearted inspector in Pink Panther. She is actually the fragile girl (in the form of a wife/mother) in SHIRLEY VALENTINE (1989). Being mistreated by people around her, she propels herself in search for redemption of her life. From this angle, WJM is bittersweet, uplifting, as well as entertaining.

The music department has done an excellent job. Whoever responsible is wonderfully Henry Mancini-an. Great to listen to his style of music in modern day cinema after he perished a quarter of century ago.

It's a very well done "light" who-done-it that cleverly uses a number of conventions of Hollywood films of the fifties. The cinematography is excellent with some really beautifully constructed scenes. Anna Smolowik as Magda is wonderful as is Pavel Domagala (Jacek), Przemyslav Stippa (Tomasz) and the supporting cast. Congratulations to the entire team that brought this entertaining and well-crafted film to Netflix!

Enjoyed this movie with good comedy mixed with a murder investigation !

Great casting !

Got to love the movie locations with beautiful old world homes and gardens !

A sort of combination between Miss Marple and Mrs Pepperpot. A beautifully shot and easy going film that parodies a little. The lead lady was the main star and deservedly so - playing the part beautifully.

Worth watching in anyone's book who likes proper films.