Murder On The Orient Express – WISE Score & Parent Review | Screenwise

Murder On The Orient Express

Name: Screenwise
Author: Screenwise

movie2017

60%

WISE Score

Avg. Tomatometer

Agatha Christie's elegant murder puzzle gets the Kenneth Branagh treatment—gorgeous trains, twisty logic, and some surprisingly dark backstory.

6.5/10

60%

6.7

→

Murder On The Orient Express

movie

PG-13, 2017

60%

WISE Score

Avg. Tomatometer

Agatha Christie's elegant murder puzzle gets the Kenneth Branagh treatment—gorgeous trains, twisty logic, and some surprisingly dark backstory.

6.5

60%

6.7

Jump to

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6.5/10

60%

6.7

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Screenwise Verdict

This is Kenneth Branagh doing his Kenneth Branagh thing—lots of mustache, lots of scenery, lots of 'look at this exquisite train car.' It's a solid, respectable adaptation of a classic mystery, but let's be real: most modern kids will find it slow and stuffy.

The murder and its backstory (dead child, collective revenge) are heavier than your average family mystery, so this is firmly teen territory. If your 13-year-old is into Knives Out or enjoys puzzle-solving, this could be a fun gateway to Agatha Christie. If they need explosions every 10 minutes, skip it.

The moral ending—everyone's guilty, and maybe that's justice—is genuinely thought-provoking, but it requires a viewer who's ready to sit with ambiguity. Not a bad rainy-day pick for the right kid, but don't expect it to compete with their usual streaming queue.

Age Fit

Best for ages 13+ who can handle murder-mystery darkness and enjoy slower, dialogue-driven stories. Younger kids will likely find it boring or confusing; older teens who appreciate classic whodunits will get the most out of it.

WISE Breakdown

Wholesome

A classic whodunit with sophisticated dialogue and period elegance. Models Poirot's methodical thinking and moral complexity around justice versus revenge. The tone is theatrical and mannered, which may feel stilted to modern viewers. Some emotional heaviness around the murder victim's backstory (child kidnapping/death) and the ethical weight of collective murder, but handled with restraint. Pacing is deliberate, not chaotic.

Imaginative

Agatha Christie's intricate puzzle-box mystery invites deductive reasoning and critical thinking. The 2017 adaptation leans heavily on visual spectacle (lavish train sets, sweeping cinematography) but doesn't break new ground narratively—it's a faithful, somewhat safe retelling. Encourages viewers to piece together clues, but doesn't invite creative expression or exploration beyond passive viewing. More 'admire the craftsmanship' than 'ignite curiosity.'

Safe

PG-13 territory with a stabbing murder (shown briefly, not gratuitously gory but present), discussion of a child's kidnapping and death (heavy emotional content), and some violence. No nudity or sex. The thematic weight—collective murder as moral justice—is complex and potentially unsettling for younger viewers who expect clear heroes/villains. Not a 'surprise scary clown' situation, but the murder and its backstory are darker than many family mysteries. Older tweens/teens can handle it, but it's not Air Bud.

Enriching

Strong showcase of logical deduction, attention to detail, and moral philosophy (when is justice justified?). Poirot's character embodies intellect and ethical rigor. The ensemble cast and period setting offer cultural/historical texture (1930s luxury travel, post-WWI Europe). However, the 2017 version prioritizes style over substance at times, and the moral ambiguity may go over younger heads. Solid brain-exercise for teens who enjoy mysteries, though not deeply transformative. TMDB 6.7 suggests respectable but not exceptional reception.

Parent Info

✓

Why It Might Be Great

Classic detective story that rewards careful attention and logical thinking—great for budding Sherlocks
Lavish period production design and ensemble cast make it visually engaging (even if slow)
Introduces moral complexity: Is vigilante justice ever okay? Solid discussion fodder for teens
No gratuitous violence or inappropriate content, just old-fashioned mystery-solving
Gateway to Agatha Christie's broader catalog if your kid gets hooked

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What to Watch For

Murder scene (stabbing, briefly shown) and backstory involving a child's kidnapping/death—heavy stuff
The ending's moral ambiguity (everyone did it, and maybe that's okay?) requires mature processing
Theatrical, dialogue-heavy pacing may bore kids used to Marvel-speed action
Period formality and accents might feel inaccessible to younger viewers

Conversation Starters

"If you were Poirot, what would you have done at the end? Would you have let them go?"
"Which character did you suspect first, and what clues tipped you off?"
"Do you think the passengers were right to take justice into their own hands? Why or why not?"
"How does solving a mystery like this compare to detective stories you've read or watched before?"

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