It’s 1933, and an older and greyer Hercule Poirot has fallen out of the public eye. When he receives anonymous letters threatening murder, he must take matters into his own hands. A television serial by Alex Gabassi, starring John Malkovich, Rupert Grint, Andrew Buchan, Tara Fitzgerald, and Shirley Henderson.

A gripping mystery thriller television series unfolds, drawing inspiration from Agatha Christie‘s 1936 novel, The A.B.C. Murders. The renowned detective, Hercule Poirot, joins forces with his trusted companion, Arthur Hastings, and the astute Chief Inspector Japp to unravel the enigma behind a series of murders committed by an elusive figure known only as “A.B.C.”

Hercule Poirot is a fictional Belgian detective created by British writer Agatha Christie. Poirot is one of Christie’s most famous and long-running characters, appearing in 33 novels, two plays, and 51 short stories published between 1920 and 1975.

Since the mini series is loosely based on the novel, several changes have been made, such as Chief Inspector Japp and Arthur Hastings are no longer the main characters.

In a captivating adaptation of Agatha Christie’s The A.B.C. Murders, the celebrated detective Hercule Poirot (John Malkovich) and the tenacious Inspector Crome (Rupert Grint) take center stage as they embark to unravel the intricate puzzle behind a series of murders. Deviating from the novel’s structure, this miniseries presents a fresh perspective of the investigation.

In the tumultuous year of 1933, as the shadow of fascism looms over Europe, the aging detective Hercule Poirot finds himself entangled in a chilling game of murder and deception. An enigmatic figure known only as “A.B.C.” sends a cryptic letter to Poirot, hinting at a series of murders that are soon to unfold. The seasoned detective, his mind as sharp as ever, sets out to decipher the puzzle and prevent the impending bloodshed.

The cryptic letter points to the first murder being scheduled for March 31st in Andover. Driven by a sense of urgency, Poirot heads to Scotland Yard to seek the assistance of Chief Inspector Japp. But he is met with the unexpected news that Japp has retired from his police duties and retreated to his countryside residence. Japp’s replacement, Inspector Crome, dismisses Poirot’s concerns, attributing the letters to an elaborate April Fools’ Day prank. Undeterred, Poirot embarks on a journey to Japp’s residence, seeking to uncover the truth behind the ominous warnings. However, a chilling twist unfolds as Japp (Kevin McNally) succumbs to a sudden death in Poirot’s presence, shrouding the investigation in a veil of mystery.

As the chilling warnings in the letters begin to materialize into a gruesome reality, Poirot finds himself ensnared in a web of pre-ordained murders. The cryptic messages, received in advance of each killing, provide the location with the name of the train station, where the next victim will meet their demise. Each victim, somehow bears an unsettling link to the renowned detective.

THE ABC MURDERS captivates viewers with its impeccable cinematography, which masterfully captures the essence of the 1930s era and the unsettling atmosphere of the serial killings. John Malkovich’s portrayal of Hercule Poirot, while initially surprising due to its departure from the traditional Poirot look, proves to be a captivating interpretation that perfectly suits the series’ dark and suspenseful tone.

The series also delves into unexplored backstory elements, providing a fresh perspective for both avid fans of the novel and those new to the story. While Poirot’s beard deviates from the signature style depicted in Agatha Christie’s works, it adds a touch of uniqueness and individuality to Malkovich’s rendition of the iconic detective. The combination of these elements creates a compelling and visually stunning adaptation of Agatha Christie’s classic novel.

THE ABC MURDERS was broadcast over three consecutive nights via BBC One beginning on 26 December 2018.