See How They Run (2022) BluRay Review

 

In the West End of 1950s London, plans for a movie version of a smash-hit play come to an abrupt halt after a pivotal member of the crew is murdered. When world-weary Inspector Stoppard (Sam Rockwell) and eager rookie Constable Stalker (Saoirse Ronan) take on the case, the two find themselves thrown into a puzzling whodunit within the glamorously sordid theater underground, investigating the mysterious homicide at their own peril.

Director: Tom George
Writer: Mark Chappell
Starring: Sam Rockwell, Saoirse Ronan, Adrien Brody, Ruth Wilson, Reece Shearsmith, Harris Dickinson
Producers: Damian Jones, Gina Carter

In London during the early 1950s, a West End production of Agatha Christie’s “The Mousetrap” has become a smash hit, and producers are looking to cash in by making a movie out of the play. Director Leo (Adrien Brody) is tasked with bringing the material to the screen, clashing with writer Mervyn (David Oyelowo) as the men are headed in two different creative directions for the film. During a party to celebrate the show’s 100th performance, Leo is murdered backstage, left with his tongue cut out. On the case is Inspector Stoppard (Sam Rockwell), a seasoned detective who’s paired with Constable Stalker (Saoirse Ronan), a newcomer to investigative work, using her skills with notetaking and observation to impress her partner. Visiting the theater and meeting with potential suspects, such as producer John (Reece Shearsmith) and star Richard Attenborough (Harris Dickenson), Stoppard and Stalker try to zero in on the killer’s identity, only to be slowed by aggressive egos and the veteran inspector’s personal issues.

“The Mousetrap” holds the record for the longest-running West End show, with performances still going today. “See How They Run” takes place during the early days of the play, returning to the 1950s, where the producers are delighted to make it to the production’s 100th performance, anticipating a visit from Christie to celebrate the occasion. Instead of an appearance by the celebrated writer, there’s a cake and a party, with Leo (who provides narration) trying to make the most of the moment, enjoying excessive drinking and games of antagonism. He ends up in a costume room with a shadowy killer, with the body repositioned on the stage, giving the murder mystery at the heart of “See How They Run” a showy launch, with cast and crew already gathered at the location, helping Stoppard to begin his investigation.

Stalker is a cheery constable looking for a way to build her law enforcement career, accepting an assignment to join Stoppard, with Commissioner Scott (Tim Key) hoping to shape her into a formidable force. Stalker is a fun character, maintaining a sense of humor about the work, but she’s also a fierce observer, writing everything down in her notebook to help organize clues and personalities. Stoppard has been worn down by time, personal loss, and alcoholism, but their buddy cop dynamic is nicely realized by Chappell, keeping the characters on the move as they learn to trust each other and interact with strange individuals. These people have plenty to hide, and “See How They Run” details the interactions, finding creative differences involved in the adaptation of “The Mousetrap” spilling over to hostilities, and more fuel for the fire is provided by secret relationships, complicating the hunt for a murderer.

“See How They Run” clearly enjoys itself while detailing backstage antagonisms, giving plenty of people many reasons to kill Leo, who’s no saint. The sleuthing aspect of the screenplay works well, mirroring a Christie creation in a deliberate way (Leo’s cynicism with storytelling formula is also repeatedly returned to), but those expecting a farce from the feature’s lively opening act are soon served something darker, creating two different films that fail to connect in a cohesive manner. The picture is sharply made, with top tech credits and a profound love of period details. Performances are up for the challenge as well, watching Ronan steal the endeavor as Stalker, giving George a brighter spirit to help illuminate the growing severity of the story. Initial snap turns into flatness, and it’s hard to ignore the influence of Wes Anderson on the production, which George doesn’t always manage with ease. “See How They Run” will certainly appeal to fans of Christie and mysteries in general, and it’s not a painful sit, just a movie that opens with far more enthusiasm than it concludes with.

The monster success of 2019’s “Knives Out” was sure to stir interest in the return of the big screen mystery movie. “See How They Run” hopes to ride a trend with its own take on the ways of Agatha Christie, this time involving the author in a different way. The screenplay by Mark Chappell looks to restore some period activity to a classic Christie whodunit, returning audiences to post-war London, which is prime setting for cinematic troublemaking. The material launches as something of a comedy, having fun with its assortment of fussy characters and secret motivations. “See How They Run” doesn’t remain spirited for long, with director Tom George endeavoring to shape a substantial tale of criminal activity while still tending to a rapidly diminishing sense of playfulness. It’s a handsome feature with lively performances, but George can’t get the film off the ground at times.