★★

A dramatic shift, from glossy whodunnit to gothic horror, goes only so far in remedying the frustrating dreariness of Kenneth Branagh’s vision for big screen adventures with Hercule Poirot. A Haunting in Venice is a more interesting film than Branagh’s previous two, certainly, but still feels leaden. It’s another severe and somber affair, with little of the campy thrill at the heart of Agatha Christie’s best mysteries. A less starry ensemble ought allow for stronger character performances but does not. Haunting’s a fine looking film but never comes to life, even as the death count ramps up.