Netflix has struck gold with its latest cinematic gem, The Thursday Murder Club, a star-studded murder mystery that has taken the streaming world by storm since its release on August 28, 2025. Adapted from Richard Osman’s bestselling 2020 novel, the film has soared to the top of Netflix’s global charts, briefly dethroning the animated hit KPop Demon Hunters and holding strong as the number-one movie in the U.S. and U.K. With an ensemble cast led by Helen Mirren, Pierce Brosnan, Ben Kingsley, and Celia Imrie, this cozy yet gripping tale of amateur sleuths in a retirement village has been hailed by fans as a “breath of fresh air” for its clever storytelling, heartfelt performances, and refreshing lack of gratuitous violence. As social media buzzes with praise, The Thursday Murder Club is proving to be a cultural phenomenon, blending wit, warmth, and mystery into a must-watch experience.

The Thursday Murder Club: A Cozy Mystery with a Stellar Cast

Based on the first novel in Richard Osman’s wildly popular series, which has sold over 15 million copies worldwide, The Thursday Murder Club follows four retirees at the idyllic Cooper’s Chase retirement village in Kent, England, who form a club to solve cold cases for fun. Elizabeth Best (Mirren), a former MI6 operative; Ron Ritchie (Brosnan), a gruff ex-union leader; Ibrahim Arif (Kingsley), a retired psychiatrist; and Joyce Meadowcroft (Imrie), a cheerful ex-nurse, spend their Thursdays poring over old police files. Their hobby takes a thrilling turn when a property developer, Tony Curran (Geoff Bell), is found dead under suspicious circumstances, pulling the quartet into a real-life murder investigation right in their own backyard.

Directed by Chris Columbus, known for Home Alone and Harry Potter and the Sorcerer’s Stone, and written by Katy Brand and Suzanne Heathcote, the film boasts a $120 million budget and a supporting cast that includes Naomi Ackie as PC Donna De Freitas, David Tennant as shady co-owner Ian Ventham, Tom Ellis as Ron’s son Jason, and Jonathan Pryce as a grieving husband. Shot across picturesque English villages and enhanced by Industrial Light & Magic’s subtle visual effects, the movie captures the charm of a quintessential British whodunit while weaving in themes of aging, friendship, and justice. Its runtime of just under two hours condenses the novel’s intricate plot, trimming side stories but preserving the heart of Osman’s story.

A Global Streaming Sensation

Since its debut, The Thursday Murder Club has dominated Netflix’s charts, amassing 180 million viewing hours in its first week and topping the platform’s Global Top 10. It briefly overtook KPop Demon Hunters, Netflix’s most-watched movie of all time, before settling at number two globally, behind only Unknown Number: The High School Catfish. In the U.S. and U.K., it remains the top film, with viewership rivaling Glass Onion: A Knives Out Mystery. The film’s success is driven by its broad appeal—offering cozy mystery fans a delightful puzzle, while action enthusiasts enjoy its brisk pacing and clever twists.

Social media platforms, particularly X, are alight with fan praise. Viewers have lauded the film’s “refreshing” approach, with one user posting, “Finally, a mystery that’s smart and fun without blood and gore!” Another called it “a cozy classic,” highlighting the chemistry between Mirren, Brosnan, Kingsley, and Imrie. The film’s ability to entertain without relying on violence, explicit content, or heavy-handed drama has resonated deeply, with fans comparing it to Agatha Christie’s works or Only Murders in the Building but with a distinctly British flair. Its 77% Certified Fresh rating on Rotten Tomatoes reflects critical acclaim, though audience scores are more mixed at 54%, with some book fans lamenting streamlined plot points.

Why It’s a Breath of Fresh Air

The phrase “breath of fresh air” has become a rallying cry for fans, capturing what sets The Thursday Murder Club apart in a crowded streaming landscape. Unlike the gritty true-crime dramas dominating platforms—think Your Honor or The Undoing—this film embraces the cozy mystery subgenre, offering a lighter, more whimsical take on murder. The story unfolds in the sun-dappled Cooper’s Chase, where lush gardens and quirky residents contrast with the dark undercurrents of crime. The retirees’ sharp wit and unassuming charm, paired with their knack for sleuthing, make them unlikely yet compelling heroes. As one X user put it, “It’s like Miss Marple, but with four legends and better banter.”

The cast is a major draw. Mirren’s Elizabeth is a steely mastermind with a mysterious past, dropping hints of her spy days while navigating personal grief. Brosnan’s Ron, a former union firebrand, brings humor and grit, his cockney swagger stealing scenes. Kingsley’s Ibrahim offers quiet wisdom, while Imrie’s Joyce, with her love of cakes and Sudoku, is the group’s heart. Their interplay—bickering over tea, decoding clues, and charming local police—creates a warmth that fans adore. Ackie’s Donna, a young officer roped into their schemes, adds a fresh perspective, while Tennant and Ellis shine in morally ambiguous roles.

The film’s refusal to lean on sensationalism is another strength. Rather than graphic violence, the murders are handled off-screen, with the focus on unraveling motives through clever detective work. The plot weaves multiple threads—Tony’s death, a shady land deal, and mysterious cemetery bones—into a satisfying puzzle. Columbus’s direction, while not groundbreaking, keeps the tone light yet grounded, with Thomas Newman’s sprightly score enhancing the mood. Fans on X have praised the “heart and wit,” with one writing, “It’s a mystery that makes you smile, not flinch.”

Cultural and Thematic Resonance

Beyond its entertainment value, The Thursday Murder Club strikes a chord with its portrayal of aging. The film treats its elderly protagonists with respect, showcasing their vitality and intellect while addressing real issues like dementia, physical limitations, and intergenerational disconnect. Elizabeth’s tender scenes with her ailing husband Stephen, played by Pryce, add emotional depth, while Joyce’s baking and Ibrahim’s quiet observations humanize the sleuths. The story’s setting, a luxurious retirement village, subtly critiques wealth disparities, though some fans question how ex-nurses and union organizers afford such a place.

The film also taps into a hunger for “cozy” content in a world saturated with grim narratives. Its blend of humor, intrigue, and friendship feels like a warm blanket, perfect for rainy nights or family viewings. As one viewer posted on X, “This is what I needed—something fun, smart, and not depressing.” The absence of explicit content makes it accessible to all ages, broadening its appeal. With Osman’s fifth novel, The Impossible Fortune, releasing in September 2025, the film has reignited interest in the book series, driving sales and fueling sequel speculation.

Challenges and Criticisms

Not all reactions are glowing. Some book fans, particularly on Rotten Tomatoes’ Popcornmeter, have given the film a 54% score, criticizing its streamlined plot. The novel’s gangland subplot and a tragic love story were cut, which some argue dilutes Osman’s vision. Others find Columbus’s direction too safe, likening it to “primetime TV” rather than cinematic innovation. On X, a vocal minority complains that the film feels “too cozy,” lacking the edge of modern mysteries like Knives Out. The casting of Brosnan as Ron, a working-class character, has also sparked debate, though Osman defended it, noting Ron would “pick Pierce as his Bond.”

Despite these critiques, the film’s strengths—its cast, pacing, and charm—have won over most viewers. Netflix’s investment, backed by Steven Spielberg’s Amblin Entertainment, has paid off, with reports of early talks for a sequel adapting Osman’s The Man Who Died Twice. Columbus has expressed enthusiasm, telling a fan event, “This cast is a dream—there’s so much more to explore with these characters.”

A New Classic in the Making

The Thursday Murder Club is a triumph for Netflix, proving that cozy mysteries can dominate in an era of high-octane thrillers. Its stellar cast, engaging plot, and heartfelt themes have made it a global hit, with fans already clamoring for more. Whether you’re drawn to Mirren’s commanding presence, Brosnan’s roguish charm, or the thrill of a well-crafted whodunit, this film delivers. As one X user summed it up, “It’s the perfect escape—funny, clever, and full of heart.” Stream it now on Netflix, and join the club—you won’t be disappointed.