- Release year: 2026
- Director: Chris Sweeney.
- Producers: Joanna Crow and Rebecca Roughan.
- Screenplay by: Chris Chibnall.
- Cinematography by: Luke Bryant.
- Music by: Anne Nikitin.
Synopsis: after the deaths of two of her friends, Bundle is more determined than ever to uncover the secret association of The Seven Dials and solve the murders.
Shotgun Commentary: mildly engaging, somewhat interesting.
Review
Agatha Christie’s Seven Dials follows its first episode with more murder, more humour, and more great acting. It develops the story decently. Some bits might feel a bit stagnant, but it ends on enough of a high note to make you want to see the case through. Then again, if you watch two episodes, chances are you’ll watch the third as well.
The devil you know
After the dramatic death of two of her friends, Bundle (Mia McKenna-Bruce) is more determined than ever to find the killer. Her investigation leads her to meet new suspects and discover new locations. Some of which will be key to resolving the murder. As the real intentions of each character begin to unravel, the identity of the killer becomes more and more obvious. Anyone who happens to be a fan of the genre will know to recognise certain tells, phrases or strategies that culprits always resort to in murder mysteries.
In addition to the very obvious construction of the killer identity of one of the characters, it is also painfully clear when any of them are lying. A matter that is sometimes acknowledged, and other times not. That is, it is only acknowledged when it suits the story. This formula is repeated in other aspects of the episode as well. Certain details only make sense because the story tells you they do, but the more you stop to think about them, the more inverisimilar they will feel.
A great aspect of the series, which is highlighted during this episode, is the use of locations and space. Of course, there are the recurring aerial shots of seven paths concurring in one point. This reminds you of the seven dials and seven clocks constantly, but there’s also the matter of what the spaces say of the people who inhabit them.
Old vs new
In the first episode, it is mentioned that “old money” is actually no money. It is just incredibly expensive properties whose owners don’t have the money to keep afloat anymore. That is where new money comes in—people who do possess the means but not the expenses and can afford to rent the old money’s houses for parties, events and so on, thus helping them with the upkeep of the property.
During this second episode, there is a very obvious, yet discreetly placed reminder of this situation. During a conversation between Lady Chaterham (Helena Bonham Carter) and her daughter Bundle, the lavish sitting room they are in has green walls with tons of paintings. Funnily enough, just on the edge of the shoot, there is a perfect rectangle of darker paint on the wall, the gap where surely a painting hung at some point. It doesn’t anymore, which is a clear reminder of Lady Chaterham’s current economic situation.
Old money might need new money’s money, but the thing is, high society comes with a certain set of rules and expectations that only old money knows because they have grown up with them. As such, when a new player comes to town, they need guidance unless they want to become the laughing stock of high society. This necessity is exploited by Bundle to access an event that will be crucial in her investigations, thus showcasing the full give-and-take between old and new money in England.
All in all, “Battle Commences” emphasises the social critique while advancing the narrative, digging further into some characters, and adding some spicy danger into the mix. Despite some slower moments, the episode develops the story fairly well, avoiding too much dwelling on pointless matters.
Advice to take from this movie:
- If it quacks like a killer, it probably is a killer.
- It’s okay to just hide from unwanted visitors.
- You don’t need to conform to what people expect from you. It’s your life; who cares?
What’s your take? Have you watched Agatha Christie’s Seven Dials? Don’t hesitate to let me know your thoughts in the comments section below, or leave a message on my contact page! For more reviews and cinema-related articles, check out the rest of my blog! 😀