This post is part of my movie-a-day challenge in which I will watch a film every day for 365 days. Today is Day 153! You can see all the posts for this challenge HERE. To see the original Movie-a-Day Challenge post, click HERE.
So, I dove headfirst into a world of wigs and courtroom tension last night with the 2016 film “The Witness for the Prosecution.” It’s a classic whodunit with a killer twist (pun intended). This film, adapted from Agatha Christie’s work, is a whirlwind of mystery, drama, and courtroom suspense that keeps you on your toes.
So let’s set the scene: London, smoky and grim (think foggy mornings and characters perpetually shrouded in shadows), where Leonard Vole (played by the ever-charming Billy Howle) is accused of murdering a wealthy widow, Emily French. Enter the brilliant but oh-so-brittle barrister, Mr. Mayhew (Toby Jones), who takes on Leonard’s case despite his failing health (seriously, this man coughs more than a smoker in a dust storm).
Mayhew’s convinced of Leonard’s innocence, and we, the viewers, are swept along on his investigation. Entertaining? Absolutely. But let me warn you, this ain’t your typical courtroom drama. It’s slow-burn, folks. Think long takes, lingering close-ups, and whispered conversations that leave you leaning in, trying to decipher every clue.
Now, about the performances. Toby Jones, with his wonderfully expressive eyebrows and that dry, British wit, is a delight as the ailing Mayhew. He injects a dose of humor into this otherwise heavy drama, especially in his interactions with his ever-so-slightly exasperated housekeeper (played by the fabulous Monica Dolan). But the real show-stealer is Andrea Riseborough. Here, she’s transformed into the mysterious Mrs. Vole, Leonard’s young and seemingly devoted wife. Her performance is all sharp cheekbones, veiled glances, and a whole lot of hidden secrets.
Let me tell you, Andrea Riseborough embodies Romaine with this chilling, raw intensity that has you reevaluating every blink, every twitch of her lip. And Billy Howle? He brings a certain vulnerability to Leonard that makes you want to root for him, despite the swirling accusations. Their performances, alongside a stellar supporting cast, including the formidable Toby Jones as the defense lawyer, bring this period piece to life with a vibrancy that’s hard to shake off.
Speaking of secrets, this story is layered with them! Just when you think you’ve got it figured out, the rug gets pulled out from under you. Agatha Christie, the queen of the twist ending, strikes again! And let me tell you, the reveal in this one is a doozy. My jaw was practically on the floor (though, to be fair, that might have been because I was also trying to stifle a gasp – manners and all that, you know?).
Julian Jarrold, the director, does this magnificent job of capturing the essence of post-war London, with its shadows and light playing off the characters’ faces, mirroring the moral ambiguities they navigate. It’s like, every scene is a painting, telling a story beyond the script, which, by the way, is clever and sharp, with twists that had me spitting out my popcorn in disbelief. No joke.
Look, this isn’t perfect. The pacing might be a bit slow for some, and the overall tone is undeniably bleak. But if you’re in the mood for a suspenseful whodunit with stellar performances and a twist that will leave you speechless, then “The Witness for the Prosecution” is definitely worth your time. Just grab a cup of tea (because, Britain!), settle in for a cozy evening, and prepare to have your mind blown .
So, if you’re up for a bit of a mind-bender, peppered with outstanding performances and a story that sticks, give “The Witness for the Prosecution” a watch. You might just find yourself as enthralled as I was.
TTFN,
Roger
P.S. Here’s a fun fact that tickled my fancy: Did you know Agatha Christie herself was part of a real-life mystery? She disappeared for 11 days once, sparking a massive manhunt, only to turn up in a hotel under an assumed name, with no recollection of how she got there. Wild, right? If you’re curious, BBC covered it a while back; it’s a fascinating read about life imitating art or vice versa.