Produced by Mammoth Screen and Agatha Christie Limited, Agatha Christie's 'Murder is Easy' finally gets a series adaptation. Siân Ejiwunmi-Le Berre adapted the story, and Meenu Gaur directed it.
The narrative follows Officer Luke Fitzwilliam, who encounters a mysterious woman on a train claiming that a serial killer is terrorizing the quiet village of Wychwood. Initially dismissing her as eccentric, Fitzwilliam soon discovers that she is onto something when she is found dead, and the predicted fourth victim meets a tragic fate. The deaths unfold, appearing as accidents, but nothing is as it seems in the deceptive village of Wychwood.
Christie's masterpieces have captivated readers for generations, and the challenge of bringing one such classic, 'Murder Is Easy,' to the small screen was no small undertaking. Ejiwunmi-Le Berre, the screenwriter for the adaptation, shared how she managed to bring the classic to the small screens.
In this adaptation, Ejiwunmi-Le Berre introduced elements of feminism, folk horror, and an outsider hero, creating a narrative that speaks to contemporary audiences.
Christie's novels are celebrated for their intricate plots, brilliant detectives, and charming English settings that transport readers to a bygone era. 'Murder Is Easy' provided a unique canvas for exploration, aiming to transcend its original context and resonate with today's viewers.
When adapting novels into drama, Ejiwunmi-Le Berre shared that the secondary writer should write with neutrality and that changes should be invisible to the audience. She also suggests that scriptwriters should not dive deep into the author's beliefs.
Feminism takes center stage in the reimagining of characters. While remaining faithful to the societal norms of the era, the goal in Ejiwunmi-Le Berre's mind is to amplify the strength and agency of female characters. The adaptation is a platform to showcase the intelligence and resilience of women, aligning with modern perspectives on empowerment.
The infusion of folk horror elements adds suspense and intrigue to the narrative. In the seemingly perfect village, hidden secrets inspired by local folklore and superstitions are incorporated to create an atmospheric experience, keeping viewers captivated by the mystery.
The deliberate choice of an outsider hero adds a touch of complexity to enhance relatability. Introducing a character not deeply rooted in the village's traditions brings an extra layer of intrigue to a world that celebrates diverse narratives. The outsider hero helps viewers explore the mysterious and eerie events in the story.
Balancing these aspects requires much care to honor Agatha Christie's story while adding modern perspectives. Working with a skilled cast and crew is crucial to bringing this vision to life.
In summary, bringing Agatha Christie's 'Murder Is Easy' to the small screen is a rewarding project for Ejiwunmi-Le Berre. By including feminism, folk horror, and an outsider hero, the adaptation aims to respect Christie's classic style while offering a modern and captivating viewing experience.
Episode one of 'Murder Is Easy' is now available on BBC iPlayer starting at 6 AM on December 27. Episode two will be available the following night.
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