← Back to results
Evil Under the Sun
1982 117 min United Kingdom, United States of America, Spain PG 12+
★7.3
Thriller, Crime, Mystery, Drama
Director: Guy Hamilton
🎭 Based on
«Evil Under the Sun»
byAgatha Christie
Trailers
Description
An opulent beach resort provides a scenic background to this amusing whodunit as Poirot attempts to uncover the nefarious evildoer behind the strangling of a notorious stage star.
Budget:
$10M
US Gross:
$6.11M
Worldwide:
$6.11M
Starring
Peter Ustinov
Actor
James Mason
Actor
Maggie Smith
Actor
Awards
1 nomination total
Key opinion
Evil Under the Sun is generally viewed as an engaging and visually lavish standalone mystery, though it struggles when measured against the prestige of other Agatha Christie adaptations. While the production quality and star-studded cast earn consistent praise, viewers are split on the effectiveness of the characterizations and Peter Ustinov's interpretation of Poirot.
| Production | The production design, featuring gorgeous coastal scenery and meticulous period costumes, creates an immersive and elegant retro atmosphere. | |
| Acting | The film features an impressive, star-studded ensemble cast that provides a high level of performance quality despite the schematic nature of their roles. | |
| Screenplay | The narrative structure and character development are criticized for feeling thin and cartoonish, often lacking the depth and dignity found in the source material. | |
| Acting | Peter Ustinov’s performance as Poirot divides opinion: some viewers appreciate his unique, lively take, while others find him less sophisticated and less fitting than alternative portrayals like David Suchet. | |
| Adaptation | Views on the film's success as an adaptation are polarized: loyalists feel it sacrifices the original mystery's integrity, while viewers approaching it as a standalone film find the direction and intrigue thoroughly enjoyable. |