Murder On The Orient Express Review: 6 Ups & 6 Downs

5. The Pacing Isn't Great

Indeed, the movie only clocks in at 114 minutes, but it's paced to feel like an absolute slog at times regardless. For starters, the titular murder doesn't happen until 40 minutes in, with the first act being full of bloated scenes that drag on far too long without really adding much shading to the train carriage's occupants.

Then the second act effectively comprises of fairly bland, shot-reverse-shot sequences of Poirot interviewing the suspects, before act three arrives at a surprisingly abrupt conclusion, meaning the investigative aspect of the film is stunningly brief. A distended epilogue then follows, after which you'll probably be left feeling a little exhausted and miffed.

At times ponderously slow and at others needlessly rushed, it's a film with no consistent rhythm, which makes it a frequently frustrating experience.