The Chase is on with SEE HOW THEY RUN

 

Jeri Jacquin

Available on all platforms from director Tom George and Searchlight Pictures is the mystery, thriller and questions of who-dun-it with SEE HOW THEY RUN.

About to celebrate its 100^th performance in 1953 London, Agatha Christie’s stage production of The Mousetrap is halted by the murder of Leo Kopernick (Adrien Brody). Entering the theatre is Inspector Stoppard (Sam Rockwell) in the company of Constable Stalker (Saoirse Ronan) as they begin looking over the crime scene. Stoppard wants to close the show but Police Commissioner Harrold Scott (Tim Key) steps in, makes the call to keep it open and assigns Stalker to the case as well.

Searching Kopernick’s lavish room at the Savoy Hotel, the manager tells the two law enforcement officers that there was an argument with screenwriter Mervyn Cocker-Norris (David Oyelowo). Admitting to the argument, Mervyn says there was a plain woman who came to the hotel with Kopernick’s son. It also becomes clear that people are being blackmailed, arguing over film rights, unfaithful marriages and another murder at the theatre – well, it would drive any Inspector to drink!

When a suspicious invitation to Agatha Christie’s (Shirley Henderson) home brings the group together, it is a night of flashing lights and an end only the author could have ever wanted.

Rockwell as Inspector Stoppard is a man who is use to doing things his own way. Methodical and talking his way through things, he is about to be challenged by a newbie to the investigation. Rockwell is calm, cool and listens to everything everyone says keeping the investigation moving along. Taking his character through the paces, I just love Rockwell’s handling to it all with disinterest and a drink occasionally.

Ronan as Constable Stalker is all over the place! From writing everything down to saying what ever comes into her head, this character certainly had my head spinning. I enjoyed her performance so much and mainly because she is just trying to fit into a profession that certainly wasn’t open-armed to women being an Inspector. Plus, she’s just an awesome actress.

Oyelowo as Cocker-Norris has no problem telling everything he knows because there is literally a lot to tell. Brody gets his moment on stage as Kopernick and the character’s offstage antics are well done. Brody proves he can play serious roles as well as fast paced comedy.

Shout out to Henderson playing Agatha Christie. What an awesome chance to play a woman who gets a chance to be a part of her own murder mystery. Henderson wraps herself up in the character and it is so much fun.

Other cast include Ruth Wilson as Petula Spencer, Reece Shearsmith as John Woolf, Harris Dickinson as Richard Attenborough, Charlie Cooper as Dennis Corrigan, Lucian Msamati as Max Mallowan, Pippa Bennett-Warner as Ann Saville, Pearl Chanda as Sheila Sim, Paul Chahidi as Fellowes, Sian Clifford as Edana Romney, and Jacob Fortune-Lloyd as Gio.

Searchlight Pictures is responsible for such films as SLUMDOG MILLIONAIRE, 12 YEARS A SLAVE, THE SHAPE OF WATER and THREE BILLBOARDS OUTSIDE EBBING MISSOURI. They have an extensive film library as well as documentaries, scripted series, and limited series. For more information, please visit www.searchlightpictures.com.

Bonus Features include SEE HOW THEY RUN Behind the Curtain – Hear from the talented filmmakers and cast as they pull back the curtain on the filmmaking process which had its unique challenges and rewards. Take a look at the special access to famous locations as well as the care and detail used to create them.

SEE HOW THEY RUN is for those who love mystery, murder and mayhem all in one film. The 1950’s setting is everything I want to see in an Agatha Christie film bringing the viewer into the time period. The costuming is equally strong and I do have to admit I have a thing for red lipstick, pinned up hair, stockings with lines down the back and dresses that are just so beautiful.

Rockwell and Ronan are wonderful together and kept my attention from start to finish. They bounce off of each other so superbly. That makes the story even more wonderful as they continue through the film talking out their suspicions – even if Constable Stalker can sometimes take it off the rails.

So, get that bucket of popcorn ready, sit back and figure out for yourself of who-dun-it!

In the end – it is the greatest murder ever staged!