Watch Evil Under the Sun
- PG
- 1982
- 1 hr 57 min
-
7.0 (19,779)
On a secluded island in the Adriatic Sea, a group of wealthy and glamorous individuals gather for a relaxing holiday. Among them is renowned detective Hercule Poirot, played by Peter Ustinov, who is hoping for a peaceful vacation. However, when a beautiful actress is found dead on the island, Poirot is called upon to solve the mystery.
The movie Evil Under the Sun, released in 1982, is based on the novel of the same name by Agatha Christie. It is directed by Guy Hamilton, who also directed several James Bond films. The cast includes several well-known British actors, including James Mason, Maggie Smith, and Diana Rigg.
The film opens with the arrival of Poirot and his friend, a crime writer named Sir Horace Blatt, played by Mason. They are greeted by the island's owner, a wealthy socialite named Daphne Castle, played by Smith. The group of guests includes a variety of eccentric characters, including a flamboyant dress designer, an American doctor, and a former stage star.
The plot thickens when the actress, Arlena Stuart, played by Rigg, is found dead on the beach. Poirot is quickly called upon to investigate the murder, and begins unraveling the complicated web of relationships and motives that led to her death.
The rest of the film unfolds as Poirot interviews the various suspects and pieces together the clues. Along the way, he reveals the hidden secrets and deceptions of the characters, and ultimately solves the case.
While Evil Under the Sun is a murder mystery, it is also a character study of the various individuals gathered on the island. The film explores their relationships and motivations, and showcases the impressive acting talents of the ensemble cast.
As with most Agatha Christie adaptations, the movie is beautifully shot and features stunning locations. The island setting is idyllic and luxurious, which contrasts sharply with the dark and violent act that occurred there.
Ustinov is excellent as Poirot, lending the character his trademark wit and charm. He is a comforting presence in the midst of the chaos, and his intelligence and attention to detail make him a formidable investigator.
Mason is also superb as Sir Horace, offering a more restrained performance than some of the other characters. His dry humor and quiet intelligence make him an excellent sidekick to Poirot.
Smith shines as always, injecting her character with both humor and depth. Her Daphne Castle is a sassy and independent woman, a contrast to some of the more submissive female characters in the film.
Rigg is fascinating as Arlena Stuart, a character with a dark past and a complicated love life. She is magnetic onscreen, and her scenes are some of the film's most memorable.
Overall, Evil Under the Sun is a well-crafted murder mystery with excellent performances and beautiful visuals. It is a must-see for fans of Agatha Christie and for anyone who enjoys a good whodunit.
Evil Under the Sun is a 1982 thriller with a runtime of 1 hour and 57 minutes. It has received moderate reviews from critics and viewers, who have given it an IMDb score of 7.0 and a MetaScore of 61.