Hulu’s latest murder mystery series, “Death and Other Details,” takes viewers on a thrilling ride of secrets and suspense. Created by Mike Weiss and Heidi Cole McAdams, this fast-paced show revolves around powerful families and generations of hidden truths. Though it has its ups and downs, the captivating whodunit plot is sure to keep audiences hooked.
A Journey Through Time
The story begins two decades in the past, as Rufus Coteworth (played by Mandy Patinkin), the renowned detective, arrives at the Collier estate to investigate the suspicious death of Imogene Scott’s mother. Fast forward to the present, and we find Imogene (Violett Beane), now 28 years old, embarking on a luxurious cruise ship called the SS Varuna. Taken in by the Colliers after her mother’s murder, Imogene is attending the retirement celebration of patriarch Lawrence (David Marshall Grant) and the promotion of her best friend, Anna (Lauren Patten), to CEO of Collier Mills.
A Party Gone Awry
What should have been a grand celebration quickly turns into a nightmare when a guest is murdered, and Imogene becomes the prime suspect. To clear her name, she reluctantly teams up with Rufus, her childhood nemesis. As the detective narrates, it becomes clear that he has his own motives for solving the crime. Throughout the series, viewers are taken on a rollercoaster of twists and turns as revelations from the past intersect with the present.
Intricate and Stylish
“Death and Other Details” is intricately stylized, pushing the boundaries of how we perceive memory and its manipulations. The show also introduces standout characters, like That Derek (Sincere Wilbert), the tech-savvy son of the Collier family’s spiritual advisor. As the storyline weaves in and out of time, the audience uncovers the truth behind Imogene’s mother’s death and its connection to the events on the Varuna.
Lost in the Maze
However, with a large cast and an ever-evolving plot, some episodes lack clarity. Additionally, apart from a few characters, the people aboard the ship are not particularly likable. As the mysteries and secrets pile up, the show becomes more of a confusing maze than an intriguing puzzle.
Setting Itself Apart
In a world filled with murder mysteries, like Netflix’s “Knives Out” films and Hulu’s “Only Murders in the Building,” “Death and Other Details” strives to stand out by offering a classic Agatha Christie-style narrative. The series shines when it combines old-world glamour with modern humor.
Uncovering the Truth
While the show may not maintain a consistent sharpness, the performances of Patinkin and Beane as the determined duo searching for the truth are compelling. “Death and Other Details” invites viewers to challenge preconceived notions and raises questions about the things we overlook. It also serves as a reminder that being stuck on a ship with the elite may not be as glamorous as it seems.
The first two episodes of “Death and Other Details” premiered on Hulu on January 16th, with new episodes releasing weekly on Tuesdays.
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