Whodunnits are the cornerstone of murder mysteries, and their occasional resurgence is usually a reprieve from films with more complicated structures and twists. See How They Run gives the Agatha Christie mystery spoof a go, dissecting the cozy mystery conventions anew. With quirky British humor, solid acting, and good period-piece visuals, the familiarity and predictability culminate into an easy, well-paced watch. With no desire to reinvent the genre, the film seems to implore its audience to indulge in self-indulgence. Enjoy watching a piece of cinema for the sake of it.
Synopsis
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 and eager rookie Constable Stalker 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.
Storyline
A world-weary detective and an eager rookie constable investigate a murder at the West End premiere of a smash-hit play.
TLDR
You know what's going, I know what's going on, and we're all still enjoying it.
What stands out
Nothing beats dialogue teeming with pompous (or bumbling) characters delivering sharp lines of dry British humor. Sam Rockwell and Saoirse Ronan's effortless crosstalk gives the film its best comedic beats. Supporting characters contribute to the overall eccentricity, setting a fun pace to accompany the cozy vibes. In a film where everything is expected, having along the way didn't hurt.
