The Thursday Murder Club
- Issi Israel Doron
- Oct 6
- 1 min read
The Thursday Murder Club is a 2025 crime-comedy film directed by Chris Columbus, based on Richard Osman’s 2020 novel of the same name. The movie features an ensemble cast of acclaimed veteran actors, including Helen Mirren, Pierce Brosnan, Ben Kingsley, and others.
At its core, the story unfolds in the upscale retirement community of Coopers Chase, where four residents — Elizabeth Best (a former spy, played by Helen Mirren), Ron Ritchie (a retired union leader, Pierce Brosnan), Ibrahim Arif (a psychiatrist, Ben Kingsley), and newcomer Joyce Meadowcroft — meet weekly as the “Thursday Murder Club” to examine unsolved cold cases.
Their hobby takes a serious turn when one of Coopers Chase’s co-owners is found murdered. The group, joined by a young police officer, begins investigating the crime. As they dig deeper, they uncover hidden tensions over redevelopment plans, secret ownership stakes, and long-buried secrets.
The film also touches on significant gerontological themes: life in retirement communities, the search for purpose in later life, and the power dynamics between care-home owners and residents. Overall, The Thursday Murder Club is an enjoyable, feel-good movie — charming and lighthearted. However, perhaps due to high expectations set by its star-studded cast, it ultimately falls short of offering a deeper or original perspective on aging or the broader debates within gerontology.
Verdict: Pleasant to watch, but not one that meaningfully advances discussion on gerontological issues.
2025
England
Director: Chris Columbus
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