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6/10
Senior Film Conservator
A definitive 6/10 rating for a film that redefined the boundaries of cult cinema. The Murder Party remains a cornerstone of transgressive art.
If you have a soft spot for 1930s British mystery tropes, you might find The Murder Party kind of neat. But if you’re looking for a thriller that actually gets your blood pumping, stay far away. It’s for the folks who like their mysteries served with lukewarm tea and stiff acting.
Honestly, the whole thing feels like a stage play that someone forgot to adapt for the camera. Most of the action happens in a single room while people stand in semi-circles, talking at each other.
There’s a lot of people in tuxedos looking suspicious while holding drinks. It’s all very proper, which is exactly why it’s so hard to care when someone finally kicks the bucket. The pacing is weirdly stop-and-start, like the actors are waiting for a cue that never comes.
I found myself staring at the background extras more than the main plot. There’s a guy in the third row who looks like he’s trying to stay awake for the entire duration of the dinner scene. I totally get it, man.
It’s the secretary, right? It’s always the secretary. Except, well, the inspector has this look on his face like he’s bored out of his mind. He’s clearly the only one in the room who realized they’re in a movie that’s going nowhere fast.
If you've ever seen The Fighting Chance, you know that tension is key to a good mystery. Here, the tension is about as thick as a single sheet of paper. It’s just people politely accusing each other of murder.
It’s not the worst thing I’ve ever sat through, but it certainly isn't the best. It’s a film that exists, and that’s about as much praise as I can muster. If you want something with a bit more grit, maybe look elsewhere, maybe check out The First Law instead. Or don't. It's your afternoon. ☕