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A Haunting in Venice

A Haunting in Venice is a 2023 mystery supernatural horror film directed by Kenneth Branagh and written by Michael Green.

By Ethan Anderson| Reviewed by Olivia Bennett, Standards & Fact-Checking Lead| Updated July 27, 2026|2 min read| Fact-checked

A Haunting in Venice is a 2023 mystery supernatural horror film directed by Kenneth Branagh and written by Michael Green. It is loosely based on Agatha Christie’s 1969 novel Hallowe’en Party and is the third film in Branagh’s Hercule Poirot film series.

Plot

The story is set in Venice after World War II, where a retired Hercule Poirot reluctantly attends a séance in a decaying palazzo. When a guest is murdered, he is drawn into investigating the case.

Production and source material

The screenplay by Michael Green adapts Agatha Christie’s Hallowe’en Party, but relocates and reworks the setting. Kenneth Branagh directed the film and reprised the role of Poirot.

Release

The film premiered in London on 11 September 2023 and was released in U.S. cinemas on 15 September 2023. Agatha Christie’s official site also notes the film opened in cinemas on 15 September 2023.

Reception and rating

The film was released with a PG-13 rating for some strong violence, disturbing images, and thematic elements. Reviewers and film databases describe it as a mystery thriller with supernatural horror elements.

Key facts

  • A Haunting in Venice is a 2023 mystery supernatural horror film directed by Kenneth Branagh.
  • It is loosely based on Agatha Christie’s 1969 novel Hallowe’en Party.
  • The film is the third entry in Branagh’s Hercule Poirot film series.
  • The story is set in post-World War II Venice and centers on a séance and a murder.
  • The film opened in cinemas in September 2023 with a PG-13 rating.
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Canadian context

The film was released internationally, including in Canada through the same 20th Century Studios distribution that handled its North American rollout.[4][10]

Frequently asked questions

What is A Haunting in Venice?
It is a 2023 mystery supernatural horror film directed by Kenneth Branagh, based loosely on Agatha Christie’s Hallowe’en Party.
Is A Haunting in Venice part of a series?
Yes. It is the third film in Kenneth Branagh’s Hercule Poirot film series, following Murder on the Orient Express and Death on the Nile.
Who directed A Haunting in Venice?
Kenneth Branagh directed the film.
What is the film based on?
It is loosely based on Agatha Christie’s 1969 novel Hallowe’en Party.
When was A Haunting in Venice released?
It opened in cinemas in September 2023 and was released in the United States on 15 September 2023.

References

  1. Wikipedia — https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/A_Haunting_in_Venice
    Supports: Year, director, source novel, and position as the third Hercule Poirot film
  2. Agatha Christie — https://www.agathachristie.com/film-and-tv/a-haunting-in-venice
    Supports: Official adaptation notes, release timing, director, screenplay, and plot setting
  3. IMDb — https://www.imdb.com/title/tt22687790/
    Supports: Plot summary and setting in post-World War II Venice
  4. Rotten Tomatoes — https://www.rottentomatoes.com/m/a_haunting_in_venice
    Supports: Synopsis, rating, genre, and release date
  5. Common Sense Media — https://www.commonsensemedia.org/movie-reviews/a-haunting-in-venice
    Supports: Runtime, MPAA rating, studio, and cast context