“A Murder at the End of the World” (2023) starring Emma Corrin and Clive Owen / Z-View

A Murder at the End of the World (2023)

Created by:  Brit Marling, Zal Batmanglij

Directors:  Brit Marling (eps. 1, 5 – 6); Zal Batmanglij (eps. 2 – 4, 7)

Teleplays: Brit Marling & Zal Batmanglij (eps. 1, 4, 6 – 7); Brit Marling & Zal Batmanglij and Melanie Marnich & Rebecca Roanhorse (ep. 2); Brit Marling & Zal Batmanglij & Melanie Marnich (ep. 3); Brit Marling (ep. 5)

Stars: Emma Corrin, Brit Marling, Harris Dickinson, Louis Cancelmi, Clive Owen, Joan Chen and Alice Braga.

Tagline: None.

The Plot…

Darby Hart (Corrin) is an amateur detective and author of a book detailing how she solved a cold case where a serial killer had murdered several women.  Darby accepts an invitation from billionaire Andy Ronson (Owen) to attend a retreat being held in a remote location in Iceland.  Ronson has invited nine people from different walks of life who think out of the box.

When Darby arrives, she is surprised to discover that Ronson has used his billions to create a home that is like a fortress from the future.  Artificial Intelligence responds to commands throughout the mansion. Even more surprising is that her former boyfriend, Bill Farrah (Dickinson) is there.  Bill was her partner when she followed clues to solve the cold case. They haven’t seen each other in six years.

Ronson explains that the guests are there to brainstorm ideas to make the future better.  The guests mingle and begin to get to know each other.  After everyone has retired for the night, Darby decides to go to Bill’s room.  Through the window Darby sees Bill on the floor bleeding and taking his last breaths.  By the time Darby gets help, Bill has died.

It’s obvious Bill was murdered.  Since no one else could have gained entrance to Ronson’s estate, the murderer is one of them.  Will Darby figure who before the killer strikes again?  Who can she trust?

Thoughts (beware of spoilers)…

A Murder at the End of the World is a clever whodunnit.  Emma Corrin is outstanding as Darby, the socially awkward amateur sleuth.  I love that the story takes place in a rarely used location.  If you’re a fan of Nero Wolfe, Benoit Blanc and/or Hercule Poirot then give this one a shot.

A Murder at the End of the World (2023) earns 4 of 5 stars.