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Telefilm Review: Hercule Poirot’s Christmas

In Hercule Poirot's Christmas, The patriarch of a wealthy family  named Simeon Lee calls the whole family together again for Christmas. Most of the family are suspicious of the wicked old man and of each other. He also calls for Poirot  for help, which comes in handy as the old scoundrel is murdered.

The mystery by Agatha Christie remains exquisite. It's a classic locked room case with the requisite number of surprises and twists and turns around every corner, and of course more than one person who isn't quite what they seem. Performances by David Suchet and Phillip Jackson  great chemistry anchor great performances all around.

However, the telefilm's greatness as art comes from its brilliant ability to juxtapose the beauty of a traditional English Christmas with the ugliness of Simeon Lee and his warring family, as well as the ugliness of the murder. It makes for a wonderful contrast, which when taken with the great mystery makes it a must-view for fans of Poirot.

Rating: 5.0 out of 5.0

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