Netflix's latest adaptation of Agatha Christie's 'Seven Dials' feels like a watered-down, sanitized version of the classic whodunit genre. It's an attempt to make something palatable for a global audience that has come to associate period dramas with the likes of Downton Abbey and has forgotten the complexities of true literary crime fiction.
The story follows Lady Eileen 'Bundle' Brent as she navigates a complex web of relationships and deceit in 1920s London. When her friend's body is found dead, Bundle takes it upon herself to investigate, aided by a series of cryptic clues and anonymous notes. However, the plot is predictable and formulaic, relying on convenient coincidences and contrivances to keep the viewer engaged.
One of the most jarring aspects of this adaptation is its tone. The show's attempts at modernizing the period setting come across as heavy-handed and forced, with characters spouting awkwardly phrased dialogue about emotional wellbeing and trauma. It's a strange choice for a genre that has always thrived on wit, sarcasm, and clever wordplay.
The arrival of real detective Supt Battle (played by Martin Freeman) is the only bright spot in an otherwise uninspired production. His presence brings a sense of credibility and authority to the investigation, but even he can't elevate this mess of a plot to something truly compelling.
Ultimately, 'Seven Dials' feels like a missed opportunity to do justice to Agatha Christie's timeless classic. It's a shallow, retro-fitted attempt to appeal to a global audience that has lost touch with the original material. Even fans of period dramas may find themselves checking their watches as they trudge through the three hour-long episodes.
The story follows Lady Eileen 'Bundle' Brent as she navigates a complex web of relationships and deceit in 1920s London. When her friend's body is found dead, Bundle takes it upon herself to investigate, aided by a series of cryptic clues and anonymous notes. However, the plot is predictable and formulaic, relying on convenient coincidences and contrivances to keep the viewer engaged.
One of the most jarring aspects of this adaptation is its tone. The show's attempts at modernizing the period setting come across as heavy-handed and forced, with characters spouting awkwardly phrased dialogue about emotional wellbeing and trauma. It's a strange choice for a genre that has always thrived on wit, sarcasm, and clever wordplay.
The arrival of real detective Supt Battle (played by Martin Freeman) is the only bright spot in an otherwise uninspired production. His presence brings a sense of credibility and authority to the investigation, but even he can't elevate this mess of a plot to something truly compelling.
Ultimately, 'Seven Dials' feels like a missed opportunity to do justice to Agatha Christie's timeless classic. It's a shallow, retro-fitted attempt to appeal to a global audience that has lost touch with the original material. Even fans of period dramas may find themselves checking their watches as they trudge through the three hour-long episodes.
. I mean, Agatha Christie's 'Seven Dials' is a classic whodunit that's supposed to be all about clever clues and twists, but this adaptation just feels like it's phoning it in 
. And don't even get me started on the tone - it's like they're trying to shoehorn modern sensibilities into a period drama that's always been about wit and sarcasm 
. I'd rather stick with shows that try harder, you know? 
it feels like they watered down Agatha Christie's classic whodunit for a global audience that only knows Downton Abbey 
it feels like they're trying too hard to be modern and relevant. "Emotional wellbeing" and "trauma" in a period drama? Give me a break! 
But hey, Martin Freeman's character does bring some credibility to the show 
. Can't they just have a decent conversation without it feeling like a info dump? And don't even get me started on the plot... predictable from like 5 minutes in. 
this new netflix adaptation is really underwhelming... i mean it tries but its like they're waterin down the whole whodunit vibe for a more global appeal 
which isnt the same as makin it authentic & clever like agatha christie's books 
especially when its all about emotional wellbeing & trauma in a period drama 
martin freeman is the only one savin this show but thats not enough to save it from feelin predictable & formulaic 
. And don't even get me started on how they watered down the characters - Lady Eileen is basically just a prop with no real depth or agency 
. But overall, this show feels like a lazy cash-grab that tries to appeal to everyone except true fans of Agatha Christie's work 
. If they wanted to make it more 'global' they should've stuck closer to the original material and not tried to shoehorn in all these modern 'issues' 
.
he brought some much needed credibility to the show but even he couldn't save it from its overall mess. i mean come on 3 hours of episode time? that's just crazy long 
! i mean, agatha christie's books are so much more than just a pretty period setting - there's actual depth and complexity to her writing. this adaptation feels like they're trying too hard to make it relatable to modern audiences, but in doing so, they've lost all the subtlety and nuance that makes true crime fiction so great