Essie Davis returns to the role of Phryne Fisher in the film follow up to the popular ABC television series Miss Fisher’s Murder Mysteries and not a lot has changed. Davis is still one of the best dressed sleuths on the little or big screen and her cheeky wit remains.
This time the adventure is set in the Middle East and involves Bedouin tribes and ancient curses. It also visits the English aristocrats while they drink champagne and nibble on cucumber sandwiches. There are murders and prison escapes and Miss Fisher does her best to stay one step ahead of the action.
It must be said that those expecting an expanded palate with the move to the big screen will be disappointed. The film plays out like a TV movie of the week and has incredibly average writing and next to no build up of anticipation for resolution. You see the end result of every plot twist way before it plays out.
One area that the expanded budget does pay dividends is in the location shooting. There are some impressive vistas on display. It all feels quant and harmless, something you could take the olds to without causing any friction. It just never raises the pulse with its pedestrian writing and unadventurous stance. It’s a shame they didn’t do more with what they had.
Rob Hudson
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