What Happened Then? Is a Perfectly Fine, Dusty Mystery

Is it worth your time?

If you like black-and-white mysteries where everyone speaks in polished sentences and the butler is always a person of interest, you’ll probably have a decent time. If you need pacing that feels modern or characters who act like actual human beings, you’re going to be bored to tears. It’s a very specific kind of rainy Sunday afternoon watch.

The whole thing hinges on this bizarre claim that the main character, Raymond, can't handle blood. He supposedly faints or freaks out at the mere sight of it. It’s one of those movie phobias that exists entirely to move the plot forward, and honestly, the actor plays it with a level of intensity that’s almost hilarious.

There is a lot of courtroom shouting. I mean, a lot. It feels like the lawyers are trying to compete to see who can look most offended by the concept of truth.

The Usual Suspects

You’ve got your classic lineup here. There’s the chirpy friend who is obviously way too interested in the protagonist’s fiancée. There’s the doctor who looks like he’s been reading too many books on hypnotism. And, of course, the butler.

The butler scene where they look for clues feels like it was ripped straight out of A Trick of Fate in terms of how much they telegraph 'I am hiding something' without actually saying a word.

• The bloody handkerchief under the bed is just so… dramatic.
• The lighting in the bedroom scene makes everyone look like a ghost.
• The courtroom set looks like it’s held together by tape and hope.

Sometimes the movie feels like it’s just ticking boxes. Evidence found. Check. Girlfriend cries. Check. Evil hypnotist looks sinister. Check. It lacks that spark you’d find in something as spirited as March of the Wooden Soldiers, but it’s not trying to be that, I guess.

I found myself staring at the wallpaper in the background of the estate scenes more than I should have. It’s got this weird pattern that distracts from the dialogue. Does that make me a bad viewer? Maybe.

The ending isn't exactly a shocker if you’ve seen more than three mysteries in your life. Still, it’s a neat enough puzzle. It’s not trying to reinvent the wheel, it just wants to make sure you get from the opening murder to the final reveal without falling asleep.

If you enjoy stuffy British drama with a side of murder, give it a shot. Just don’t expect to remember much about it by Tuesday.