A well-thought-out crime, a skilled detective, and an unexpected ending: 5 detective series based on the works of Agatha Christie

Well-planned crimes, skillful detectives and unexpected endings: 5 detective series based on the works of Agatha Christie

The queen of the detective genre, Agatha Christie, draws her readers into such intricate plots that each character involuntarily becomes a suspect. Below are 5 of the best series based on the works of this writer. The well-thought-out crimes, sharp-witted detectives and unexpected details in these films encourage the viewer to solve the mysterious crime even before the characters in the film.

**1. “Nobody Left” (“И никого не стало” - based on the work “Онта негр болси”)**

The three-part miniseries of the BBC television channel is based on a new interpretation of the famous novel “Онта негр болси”. A brief note for those who are not familiar with the plot: the center of events is ten strangers who, having been cut off from people, arrive on a deserted island with a special invitation. Instead of the hosts, the guests are greeted by servants.

Suddenly, during a luxurious lunch, a gramophone record plays, accusing all the participants of an unpunished murder. After that, the guests begin to die mysteriously one after another. The survivors must find out who is behind this. However, they themselves are in danger of death.

The series differs from the original only in small details. For example, the dinner table uses figurines of soldiers, not local tribesmen. The project is distinguished by its gloomy atmosphere.

The cast includes Sam Neill, Aidan Turner, Charles Dance and others. The director is Craig Viveiros, the screenwriter is Sarah Phelps. This project can be compared to the Soviet film by Stanislav Govorukhin called "Ten Negro Children".

**2. “Witness for the Prosecution” (Свидетель объявления)**

This two-part film takes place in a tense atmosphere.

The film depicts the trial of Leonard Voyle (Billy Hole), who is accused of murdering wealthy woman Emily French (Kim Cattrall) in post-war London in order to seize her estate. He believes that his young companion Romaine (Andrea Riseborough) can prove his innocence. He is assisted by lawyer John Mayhew (Toby Jones). This two-part film won the Broadcasting Press Guild Awards in 2017.

**3. “The Pale Horse” (Бледный конь)**

A two-part film with supernatural elements, based on the novel of the same name. According to the plot, the murders are associated with women practicing black magic. Anthropologist Mark Easterbrook (Rufus Sewell) tries to establish a connection between the list of names and the unexplained deaths.

The cast of the series "White Horse" includes "Lord of the Rings" actor Sean Bean and "The Gentlemen" Kaya Scodelario. The script is more adapted to the thriller genre than the detective genre, and visually it is made in the style of mysticism and gothic.

**4. "The Test of Innocence" (Испытание невиновностью)**

On Christmas Eve 1954, Rachel Argyle is murdered in the family compound. Her adopted son Jack (Anthony Boyle) is accused of the crime. He insists that he is innocent, but he dies in prison eighteen months later.

Later, Dr. Arthur Calgary (Luke Treadaway) appears and provides evidence that the deceased was somewhere else at the time of the murder. After that, all surviving family members are again under suspicion.

“The Innocence Test” received high ratings. Critics noted that the project was set in an excessively dark atmosphere. The picture falls into the category of plot and family dramas, where the events of the film develop in parallel along different lines.

**5. “Towards Zero” (“По направления к нулю”)**

This BBC adaptation is notable for its cast. The project stars “The Addams Family” stars Anjelica Huston, Oliver Jackson-Cohen and Mimi Keene.

The events take place in England in the 30s of the last century. Tennis player Neville Strange and his ex-wife Audrey decide to spend the summer after their divorce at the estate of Neville's aunt, Lady Tressilian. Neville's new fiancée also arrives there.

Also present at the house are a maid, an exiled cousin, and the family lawyer. Soon the housekeeper is murdered. According to critics, the story lacks dramatic tension and is more suited to an entertainment format. The film reflects the costumes and customs of England of that time.