"The Thursday Murder Club" is a comic crime caper that falls within the cozy mystery subgenre of crime fiction. It features classic elements such as amateur sleuths, a murder mystery to be solved, and a focus on wit and humor rather than graphic violence. What distinguishes this title from other crime stories is its unique ensemble of senior protagonists—retirees who bring charm, wisdom, and a refreshing perspective to the crime-solving process. Their camaraderie and lighthearted banter add warmth and levity, creating an engaging blend of suspense and comedy that appeals to a wide audience looking for a mystery that's entertaining as well as clever.
Critics' Reviews
40
Perhaps needless to say, your mileage may vary when it comes to this level of twee, with endless slices of cake and a syrupy score when things get a bit sad. The dialogue seems purely expositional and the humour is very weak, a shame given it boasts a stacked cast of brilliant actors. Only Jonathan Pryce makes much of an impression in an understated turn as Elizabeth’s husband Stephen, who lives with dementia.
Full Cast of The Thursday Murder Club
Helen Mirren
Elizabeth
In 'The Thursday Murder Club,' Helen Mirren plays Elizabeth, a sharp-witted and spirited elderly woman who is part of a group of four retirees dedicated to solving cold cases in their community. This role aligns well with Mirren's extensive career characterized by her ability to portray strong, complex characters, often with a commanding presence and nuanced depth. What makes this performance stand out is the blend of charm, humor, and warmth she brings to a genre that combines mystery with light-heartedness, showcasing her versatility beyond the more dramatic or regal roles she is renowned for, such as Queen Elizabeth II in 'The Queen.' This role highlights her ability to engage audiences through a relatable and endearing character, adding a fresh dimension to her already illustrious career.
Tom Ellis
Jason Ritchie
In 'The Thursday Murder Club,' Tom Ellis delivers a compelling performance as Jason Ritchie, blending charm with a subtle depth that enriches the film's intriguing narrative. Unlike his charismatic and witty portrayal of Lucifer Morningstar in the TV series 'Lucifer,' Ellis embraces a more subdued and nuanced character here, showcasing his versatility as an actor. A fun trivia fact is that Ellis, known for his sharp British accent in many roles, adopted a different vocal tone for Jason Ritchie to better fit the movie's distinct atmosphere.
Ruth Sheen
Aunt Maud
Daniel Mays
Chris Hudson
Geoff Bell
Tony Curran
Ingrid Oliver
Joanna
Darren Richardson
Lawyer (Voice Over) (voice)
Jonathan Pryce
Stephen
Naomi Ackie
Donna De Freitas
Celia Imrie
Joyce
David Tennant
Ian
Richard E. Grant
Bobby Tanner
Pierce Brosnan
Ron
Martin Bishop
Bernard
Crew of The Thursday Murder Club
Full backstage crew list →- Released August 22, 2025